To Flee Communism and Starvation

In 1990s 3,000,000 North Koreans are reported dead from starvation. People from North Korea escape their communist country to seek for better life. Although geographically South Korea is the closest country, for the separation of one country to two there is a very strict military-only area which makes it almost impossible to cross. Therefore the escapees often go to China. The Chinese government failed in counting the exact numbers of the escapees from North Korea, but it has been reported to be about 100,000-200,000 according to UN.


The escapees from North Korea who enter the Chinese land become illegal residents. The Chinese government has made secret agreement with the North Korean government, first in 1960s, then made it official in 1986, on forcefully repatriating North Korean escapees. Even the ones who manage to avoid the eye of the government either work under cruel conditions with no pay. In case of women escapees, most often they get married with a Chinese man or are sold for prostitution.

It is understandable that both Chinese and South Korean government cannot be ‘pro-escapees’ for political burdens and issues -situation in overwhelming number of escapees or aggravation of relationship between two countries. However, South Korea has been more ‘sympathetic’ towards the escapees since they are dreaming of the reunification of North and South. Those few who make to South Korea either from China or from North Korea do qualify for special protection under the South Korean government. The escapees who enter the South Korean land go through series of investigation by the National Intelligence Service, then are educated for three months at Hanawon, the education facility for domiciliation. When they graduate, the escapees can start a ‘normal’ life as they are offered a leased housing in the area they choose. They are also given about government aids of about $30,000 per person for housing and domiciliation, and are guaranteed identity protection for 6 months.

This issue might seem like a political, social and economical one, but what can a designer contribute to make the situation better? First step was made in late 2004, five years since it opened; barbed wire entanglements which were surrounding Hanawon, the facility for domiciliation were removed and replaced with securities cameras. Although the barbed wires were for the protection for the escapees, the image depicted was an asylum. The result was praised Hanawon felt more welcoming for escapees and it would help them to feel more comfortable for their new domiciliation.

But what more can be done?

Image 1: Escapees held in China

Image 2: Hanawon