Is there a museum in South Korea about defectors and refugees who escaped North Korea?

I was just watching a History Channel documentary on YouTube called "Kingjongilia" about people who have managed to escape North Korea.

Having visited South Korea a bunch of times now, I realize I didn't notice any kind of museum on these people and their plight. Googling for one now isn't helping much either.

Is there such a museum somewhere in South Korea?

Best Answer

Specific to defectors, not really. I think that would aggravate things more then anything. While South Koreans are aware of the "struggle" of many of their Northern brethren, things like the Ministry of Unification look actively to bond both cultures rather then highlight the differences.

If you're looking for a glimpse of North Korean life you might want to check out the Odu Mountain Unification Observatory in Paju. It's a fairly straight forward trip from Seoul and actually has a multi-level gallery that showcases the lives of North Koreans, from their groceries, clothes to "models" of homes. Plus in the basement you can get North Korean made goods, including liquor.

While you're in Paju you can also visit the DMZ, check out the elaborate ceremonies and tension between a bunch of 20 year old soldiers.

Why not actually just visit North Korea? I'm not sure how it is post Kim Jong-Il, but if your Mandarin is decent you can call around some of the travel agents in Dandong that will arrange a visa for you. The visa prices are actually comparable to some other well traveled countries. (Assuming you aren't American). If you're Malay you don't even need a visa :-)

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Does South Korea welcome defectors?

The man's case is rare -- while more than 10,000 North Korean defectors have arrived in South Korea in the past decade, just 30 have returned home, where they face the prospect of being put into forced labor camps, according to official South Korean data.

Does South Korea protect defectors?

In 1962, the South Korean Government introduced the "Special law on the protection of defectors from the North" which, after revision in 1978, remained effective until 1993. According to the law, every defector was eligible for an aid package. After their arrival in the South, defectors would receive an allowance.

Does North Korea accept defectors?

It is rare for defectors to return to North Korea \u2013 there were about 30 in the past decade. But it is well known that many North Koreans miss their families and life in the DPRK despite the hardships \u2013 and many struggle to adapt to life in the South.

Does South Korea deport North Korean defectors?

According to South Korea's Ministry of Unification, over 33,000 North Korean refugees have resettled in South Korea as of December 2020. South Korea remains the most popular destination for North Korean refugees to settle in.

I Escaped North Korea. Here’s My Message for President Trump. | NYT - Opinion

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