Introduction
North Korea is well-known as one of the most isolated and secretive countries in the world. Citizen’s access to the outside world is severely restricted and matters related to the state are heavily censored. The subject of escaping North Korea is a challenging one, but is becoming increasingly relevant. In this article, we explore the possibility of leaving North Korea, the different routes and dangers involved, and the after-effects of escape.
Defying the Odds: A Guide to Leaving North Korea
North Korea is a closed society, and leaving the country is not an easy task. The possibility of punishment for attempting to leave the country, even with legal means, can range from a fine to imprisonment or even execution. For this reason, escaping North Korea can be difficult and dangerous.
So, what are the possible routes to escape? Most North Koreans escape through the Chinese border, with some making their way to Mongolia or Southeast Asia. As for taking a conventional route such as applying for an overseas job or studying abroad, these routes are only possible for citizens who are considered loyal to the state and even then, exit visas are hard to come by.
To plan for an escape, strategy and resources are crucial. Securing funds are a prerequisite for purchasing necessary items such as transportation, food, and shelter while on the journey. Reservations made at safe houses or with guides who have experience in smuggling North Koreans through the border can also help in the escape. It is also important to remember that for those attempting any form of escape, the risk levels will be high and securing plans will be difficult.
Escape from North Korea: Real Life Stories of Survival
Despite the challenges involved, there are many who have defied the odds and successfully escaped North Korea. Their stories of survival reveal not only the bravery of those who have taken that step, but also highlight the dangerous journey that lay ahead.
One North Korean defector, Park Yeonmi, was only thirteen years old when she left the country. She crossed the Yalu River into China with her mother, walking across the vast Chinese countryside for two months, with no chance to rest or eat properly. The journey was made even more perilous due to border soldiers on the lookout.
A man known as Kim Yong Hwa recounts his story of successfully escaping North Korea’s terror-filled regime after years of imprisonment. In his story, he details how he was able to cross the Chinese border, despite the danger of being captured and sent back to the prison camps.
These stories of North Korean defectors offer insight into the dangers faced during an escape attempt, either by a legal or illegal route, and the difficulties of continuing life after leaving North Korea.
The Harsh Reality of Leaving North Korea: Exploring the Challenges and Dangers
For many who manage to successfully escape North Korea, the hardship does not end once they cross the border. The readjustment to a new society and culture is often wrought with trials that can extend beyond the initial period after escape.
One of the biggest dangers for North Koreans trying to escape through illegal means is the high risk of being captured and sent back to North Korea. The Chinese government does not recognize North Korean defectors as refugees, but rather as illegal migrants. North Koreans who are caught in China are often forcibly returned to North Korea where they face severe punishment and possible execution.
Aside from the dangers faced during the escape, there are also psychological effects of leaving North Korea. Those who manage to leave behind North Korea’s societal restrictions and government indoctrination may also find themselves left with permanent scars like PTSD or depression.
Beyond the Border: What Happens When North Koreans Escape
When a North Korean successfully escapes, a transitional process begins, and the individual must adjust to a new life. South Korea has often been the destination for many North Korean defectors, and there are currently non-profit organizations that help North Koreans adjust to their new environment, teaching them about South Korean culture and helping them with everyday tasks.
However, adjusting to life in South Korea is not always easy. The cultural differences and language barriers can be overwhelming. In some cases, North Korean defectors find themselves being rejected by their South Korean peers and struggle to make ends meet with their monthly stipends from the state. It is a sobering reality that life after escape can be just as challenging as the journey itself.
Is it Really Possible to Leave North Korea? Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
There are various myths and misconceptions around escaping North Korea. For most, leaving North Korea through legal means may indeed be impossible, but it is possible to leave through illegal means.
One misconception is that North Koreans are forbidden to travel outside of the country. This is only true for the general population – those who are deemed trustworthy by the North Korean government may be able to receive permission to travel overseas. However, North Koreans must leave their family members behind as a way to ensure their loyalty and that they will return.
Another common myth is that those who leave North Korea are actively seeking to convert to a different political or religious ideology, or that they hold an anti-North Korean stance. However, this is not necessarily the case for North Koreans fleeing the country, as people create emigration motives for themselves based on their personal background.
Breaking Free: The Psychological Impact of Leaving North Korea and Readjusting to Society
The emotional impact of leaving North Korea can be extreme, with drastic life changes and the existential challenges of adjusting to a whole new physical environment and culture. Leaving behind old friends, family, and a familiar environment can be traumatic.
The readjustment to a new environment can cause depression and anxiety, adding to the trauma of escape. For this reason, psychological support is essential for those who have managed to escape. To this day, various organizations offer counseling to North Korean defectors, and there is a growing body of mental health services to cater to the needs of those who have defected from North Korea.
Conclusion
Leaving North Korea is a difficult and dangerous task, but those who manage to defy the odds have shown great courage and bravery. These individuals have left behind the dangerous reality of life in North Korea to start anew. However, the difficulties do not end there; there are emotional traumas, cultural clashes, and unimaginable challenges in adjusting to a whole new environment. But, by better understanding the process of leaving North Korea, we can better understand the hardships that North Korean defectors face.
Final Thoughts
The North Korean government’s strict control is responsible for ending the dreams and aspirations of many North Koreans. Fortunately, those who manage to escape North Korea can regain their freedom with the help of non-profit organizations and mental health services. But every person who successfully escapes carries their hardships that can continue to affect them for a lifetime. In conclusion, the road to escaping North Korea and starting anew is strenuous, but it is not impossible.
