북한이주민의 종교생활에 대한 7년 종단연구

Abstract

Objectives: North Korean defectors` level of understanding of South Korean society and their satisfaction to their life in South Korea symbolize their adaptation to new society. The current report is an analysis of three serial panel studies of 200 North Korean defectors who entered South Korea in 2000. Methods: From February 2009 to March 2009, 121 defectors were interviewed face-to-face. Results: The results showed that the satisfaction level was relatively well maintained and their understanding of South Korean culture and language increased. However, their attitudes toward fellow North Korean defectors had worsened. Their satisfaction level with the government support for medical care was very low. Gender, age, level of education in North Korea, Communist Party membership, completion of military service, and current employment status had a significant influence on their interpretation and understanding of South Korea. Conclusion: It has been suggested that creating North Korean defector selfhelp groups, strengthening the medical support system, developing programs tailored to those with different backgrounds, gender, age, and level of education as well as increasing South Koreans` awareness of North Koreans through campaign will be necessary for peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula.