Asia and Australia 2025

Seoul – DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

We were lucky to have a chance to meet a North Korean refugee, who fled her country via China and Vietnam. Because of her flight, her brother was sent to a labour camp, and her mother had a breakdown, and eventually killed herself.
Till 2024, 34,314 defectors had escaped North Korea. After arriving in South Korea, they are put through a screening process to ensure they are not infiltrators. They are then put on a resettlement programme, with education at Hanawon. The government supports stable integration and self-reliance through various policies, including funding, housing, employment, education, healthcare and counseling.

To see more of this trip on the Travelogue, click here: Asia and Australia 2025