7 in 10 North Korean defectors struggle to make ends meet in Seoul, survey finds



News 7 in 10 North Korean defectors struggle to make ends meet in Seoul, survey finds Experts say prejudice and lack of support drive escapees’ economic difficulties, as their incomes lag behind ROK average Ifang Bremer December 27, 2023 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A woman selling chili peppers at a market in Seoul. According to the Seoul Institute, food was the largest expenditure in 2023 among North Korean escapees living in the capital area. \| Image: NK News (Dec. 2023) Seven in 10 North Korean defectors living in Seoul are struggling to make ends meet, according to a new survey by a government think tank, while escapees' earnings continue to lag behind the South Korean national average. Experts told NK News that the findings underscore how social prejudice and a lack of family support network contribute to defectors’ economic difficulties, pointing to the need for alternative policies to help North Koreans resettle in the South. Seven in 10 North Korean defectors living in Seoul are struggling to make ends meet, according to a new survey by a government think tank, while escapees' earnings continue to lag behind the South Korean national average. Experts told NK News that the findings underscore how social prejudice and a lack of family support network contribute to defectors’ economic difficulties, pointing to the need for alternative policies to help North Koreans resettle in the South. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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7 in 10 North Korean defectors struggle to make ends meet in Seoul, survey finds

Experts say prejudice and lack of support drive escapees’ economic difficulties, as their incomes lag behind ROK average

Ifang Bremer December 27, 2023

7 in 10 North Korean defectors struggle to make ends meet in Seoul, survey finds

A woman selling chili peppers at a market in Seoul. According to the Seoul Institute, food was the largest expenditure in 2023 among North Korean escapees living in the capital area. | Image: NK News (Dec. 2023)

Seven in 10 North Korean defectors living in Seoul are struggling to make ends meet, according to a new survey by a government think tank, while escapees' earnings continue to lag behind the South Korean national average.

Experts told NK News that the findings underscore how social prejudice and a lack of family support network contribute to defectors’ economic difficulties, pointing to the need for alternative policies to help North Koreans resettle in the South.

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