North Korean defectors facts for kids

North Korean defectors are people from North Korea who leave their home country to become citizens in a new one. In North Korea, it is against the law to leave without special permission. North Koreans are also not allowed to change their citizenship. This means anyone born in North Korea is expected to stay a North Korean citizen for life.

The punishment for leaving North Korea without permission is very harsh. People who are caught are often sent to a prison camp or even put to death in public. Like many other serious actions in North Korea, illegally leaving the country might not only punish the person who left, but also their family.

Even with such severe punishments, many North Koreans still try to leave. This is because life in North Korea can be very difficult. People often face poverty and have very little freedom. Defectors believe that finding a better life in a new country is worth risking their lives for. Since the North Korean famine in the 1990s, more than 30,000 North Koreans have successfully reached South Korea. Some reports suggest that between 100,000 and 300,000 North Koreans have escaped into Russia or China since 1953. Of those who made it to South Korea, over 70% are women.

What is a North Korean Defector?

A North Korean defector is someone who leaves North Korea without permission. They seek a new life and citizenship in another country. Leaving North Korea is considered a serious crime by the North Korean government.

Why Leaving is Against the Law

In North Korea, the government controls almost every part of people's lives. This includes where they live and if they can travel. Leaving the country without official approval is seen as an act against the state. It is a very serious offense.

Harsh Consequences for Defectors

If a person is caught trying to leave North Korea, or if they are sent back, they face severe punishment. This can include being sent to a labor camp. In some cases, people are even put to death. Sometimes, the families of those who try to leave might also be punished.

Why Do People Leave North Korea?

Many North Koreans choose to leave their country because of difficult living conditions. They often hope to find more freedom and better opportunities elsewhere. Life in North Korea can be very challenging.

Seeking a Better Life

One main reason people leave is to escape poverty. They also seek more personal freedom. Many defectors believe that a new country offers a chance for a better future. They are willing to risk everything for this hope.

How Many People Have Left?

Since the 1990s, over 30,000 North Koreans have successfully made it to South Korea. Many more have escaped into neighboring countries like China or Russia. The number of people trying to leave shows how strong their desire is for a different life.

How Do Defectors Reach Safety?

The main goal for most North Korean defectors is to reach South Korea. The South Korean constitution allows anyone born in either North or South Korea to become a South Korean citizen. However, the journey to South Korea is very difficult and dangerous.

Crossing the Border Directly

One way to try and reach South Korea is by crossing the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This is the border between North and South Korea. However, this route is extremely dangerous. The DMZ is filled with landmines, electric fences, and armed guards on both sides. North Korean soldiers are ordered to stop anyone trying to cross. Only a very small number of defectors, mostly soldiers, have successfully crossed the DMZ.

Swimming to Other Countries

In rare cases, some defectors have tried to swim to other countries. For example, at least two people have successfully swum all the way to Japan. This shows the extreme measures people take to escape.

The China Route

Most defectors begin their escape by crossing into China. The Tumen River and Yalu River form the border between China and North Korea. These rivers are often easier and safer to cross than the DMZ.

However, defectors usually do not stay in China. If they are caught by the Chinese government, they are often sent back to North Korea. This means they would likely face severe punishment. Because of this danger, most North Korean defectors try to travel through China to a second country. These countries can include Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. From these countries, they hope to eventually reach South Korea.

Images for kids

• 

  This map shows common routes North Korean defectors take to reach South Korea, often going through China and Southeast Asia.

See also

In Spanish: Desertores norcoreanos para niños