A Female North Korean Defector’s Story of Settling in South Korea:

The Price of Freedom and Choice

Hyun Eun-ha

Sogang University Student

Life in South Korea, as a young defector from North Korea, has been filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Adapting to a world so drastically different from what I knew back home was often overwhelming. But in that struggle, I discovered new opportunities and found hope for a brighter future.

The Difference in Education: Ideology vs. Creativity

In North Korea, education was deeply rooted in ideology. From a young age, we were taught loyalty to the Kim family, and all lessons served to reinforce the communist system. Our textbooks were filled with stories of the Party's greatness, and students were expected to follow orders without question. Critical thinking or creative expression had no place in this environment; obedience was the primary virtue.

In stark contrast, South Korea’s educational system fosters creativity and encourages critical thinking. Here, students are pushed to explore a variety of topics and freely voice their opinions. Initially, I struggled to adjust to this new way of learning. Participating in discus-sions and questioning teachers was completely foreign to me. The interaction with educa-tors here was entirely different from what I had experienced before.

At first, I focused on writing down every word my teacher said, hoping to keep up. I also threw myself into after-school programs to improve. Over time, I began to grasp the lessons and grew confident enough to participate in class. Eventually, I came to realize that this new approach to education helped me grow signifi-cantly, teaching me not only new subjects but also how to think independently.

A Scene from the Induction Ceremony of the North Korean Children's Union / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture

The Price of Freedom and My Choices

The most significant difference between North and South Korea is the concept of freedom. In North Korea, every aspect of life is controlled and monitored. From school lessons to the media we consume, even family trips are under strict supervision. But in South Korea, I was suddenly faced with the responsibility of making my own choices—what to do, what goals to pursue, and how I wanted to live my life. At first, this newfound freedom felt strange and even anxiety-inducing. The more choices I had, the more responsibility I had to take for them.

New Opportunities and Challenges

Life as a young defector in South Korea has been a continuous series of challenges. In North Korea, decisions like going to university or choosing a career were made by the Party. Here, I quickly realized that my choices would shape my future. After finishing high school, I had to decide which university to attend, what major to pursue, and what kind of career I wanted. Every decision about my life was now in my hands. While this freedom filled me with both fear and anticipation, it also gave me a deep sense of fulfillment as I found my way forward.

Now, as a part of South Korean society, I work to bridge the understanding between North and South, hoping for a better future. With my experiences from both worlds, I aspire to help other North Korean defectors achieve their dreams in South Korea and to continue walking this path alongside them.