North Korean Defectors Take a Crash Course in Coping

New York Slimes ^ | Published: June 25, 2006 | By NORIMITSU ONISHI

[Caipirabob]

ANSEONG, South Korea — On a sprawling campus hidden in farmland here, about 300 North Koreans are learning that, no, actually, it was not the South that started the Korean War.

And, yes, America is an ally, their re-education goes, before broaching the A B C's of capitalism, human rights and democracy. Field trips focus on how to apply for a job or use an automated teller machine. Women are shown the finer points of home decorating; men, the basic skills to fix the home boiler.

Soon after landing in South Korea, all North Korean defectors come here to the South Korean government's main resettlement center, called Hanawon, or to an annex, for a three-month crash course on life south of the demilitarized zone.

[Caipirabob]

I was impressed. I know this is the slimes, but it is an encouraging and informative article that doesn't hack and slash at the USA. I thought I was reading an article written by someone knowledgable, who was intent on sharing information and not promote propaganda.

You'll need a password to read the whole thing.

[Nextrush]

Many are fleeing tyranny but the North is ruthless and infiltrates people into the South too. Some may even take this route. They are "moles" who will spring up at the right moment to spy, sabotage, attack.....

[wolfpat]

I would imagine that a full stomach is a shock to them too.

[Mo1]

Interesting article from the slimes ... couldn't help notice the discrimination part mentioned alot on the 2nd page

[Terabitten]

They are "moles" who will spring up at the right moment to spy, sabotage, attack.....

You may be correct. However, I imagine that the risk of a NK mole turning against them, once they see how things really are, is pretty high. They'd quite possibly be feeding bad intel back to Kim Jong Il.

I'd also imagine that, since this site is run by the SK intelligence service, that they at least try to weed out such moles.

[McBuff]

We will need such a camp for Dems after November

[JRochelle]

Imagine their shock if one of the first things they saw was someone the size of Micheal Moore!

[bkepley]

"You may be correct. However, I imagine that the risk of a NK mole turning against them, once they see how things really are, is pretty high."

Oriana Fallachi gives a good description of the wide-eyed wonder of the East Germany people who crossed into West Germany when the wall came down.

[ClaireSolt]

It is wrongful discrimination, or is it all those soldiers poised on their border?

[SkyPilot]

Can we send our Liberals to the same school to be de-brainwashed?

_{*Photo edited for posting.}

[Dallas59]

Reads like the NK's are all sad and uhhappy and had a differnt but better life in the north....The NYslimes...figures.

[GAB-1955]

I don't think they show "Team America" during those classes, do they?