Kyoung Mi Kim; Miyoung Kim

doi:10.4040/jkan.2013.43.3.431

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Original Article
Adaptation Experiences in South Korea of Men defecting from North Korea: Kyoung Mi Kim, Miyoung Kim; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2013;43(3):431-441.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2013.43.3.431
Published online: June 28, 2013

¹Department of Nursing, Gimcheon University, Gimcheon, Korea.

²Division of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Kim, Miyoung. Division of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, Korea. TEL: +82-2-3277-6694, FAX: +82-2-3277-2850, mykim0808@ewha.ac.kr

• Received: February 22, 2013 • Accepted: May 20, 2013

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Abstract
NOTES
REFERENCES

Abstract

Purpose
The study was done to explore meanings and essence of the experience in South Korea of men defectors from North Korea.
Methods
Data were collected from March, 2011 to May, 2012, through in-depth interviews with ten men defectors. Data analysis was conducted using the process of hermeneutic phenomenological reflection.
Results
Eight essential themes were extracted; 'buoyant expectation for a new life', 'feeling guilty about family left behind in North Korea', 'inability to become acclimatized due to communication difficulties', 'inability to socialize with South Koreans due to different lifestyles', 'finding strength through trustworthy acquaintances', 'continuing reconciliation with oneself while trying to assimilate into South Korean culture', 'self-realization of one's original self', and 'continuing to feel out the possibility of a future in South Korea'.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that North Korean men who defect to South Korea shape their identity through three phases: forming self-image during escape from North Korea, trying to become accustomed to South Korean society, and finding their own identity by self-realization of their original self. Eventually, the whole process enables them to recover their identity, to feel a sense of belonging, and to discover possibilities for a better future.
Keywords: Adaptation; Experiences; Qualitative research; Refugees

This manuscript is a condensed form of the first author's doctoral dissertation from Ewha Womans University.

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Table 1

The Essential Themes Experienced by North Korean Defectors in South Korea

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Health‐seeking experience of North Korean women defectors in South Korea
Chong‐Hee Chung, Hee‐Young Kang, Pamela K. Lake
Public Health Nursing.2018; 35(3): 192. CrossRef

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Adaptation Experiences in South Korea of Men defecting from North Korea

J Korean Acad Nurs. 2013;43(3):431-441. Published online June 28, 2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2013.43.3.431

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Adaptation Experiences in South Korea of Men defecting from North Korea

Table 1

The Essential Themes Experienced by North Korean Defectors in South Korea

Table 1 The Essential Themes Experienced by North Korean Defectors in South Korea