A survey by the Korea Hana Foundation shows that 81% of North Korean defectors settled in South Korea are satisfied with their lives. This marks the highest rate since records began in 2011, reflecting improvements in their economic conditions. Employment and economic participation rates have also risen, indicating growing stability for defectors.
A survey by the Korea Hana Foundation revealed that 81.2% of 2,500 North Korean defectors reported being happy with life in South Korea. The poll targeted defectors aged 15 and older who arrived between January 1997 and December 2024.
This year, the employment rate among defectors reached 61.3%, a 1.2 percentage point increase from the previous year. The unemployment rate dropped 0.9 percentage points to 5.4%, while the economic participation rate rose 0.7 percentage points from 64.8% a year earlier. A foundation official noted that "the gap in major economic data between South Koreans and North Korean defectors is narrowing," signaling improved economic conditions.
Disparities in employment and unemployment rates between South Korean citizens and defectors narrowed by 0.9 and 0.7 percentage points, respectively, compared to the prior year. This progress highlights advancing social integration for defectors. The Korea Hana Foundation, affiliated with the unification ministry, supports their settlement.
