Korean Educational Development Institute(KEDI)

A Longitudinal Study of North Korean Migrant Youth in South Korea: A Preliminary Survey and Design Study

The purpose of this study is to design a longitudinal study of North Korean migrant youth in South Korea, which will be implemented from 2011 to 2015. Such a longitudinal study is an essential element in developing the educational support and policy system for North Korean migrant youth. This study focused on factors influencing the adjustment of North Korean migrant youth, as well as creating a questionnaire and research model. As of July 2010, the total number of North Korean immigrants stood at 19,391 of whom about 1,300 were enrolled in full time public education. Over the last three years, the drop out rate has fallen by 50%; in 2007 the drop out rate stood at 28.1% for high schoolers, but in 2008 it had fallen to 14.2%. Likewise, in 2007 the enrollment rate stood at 57.3%. By 2008, it had risen to 73.2% and by 2009 it had reached 77.4%. However, the drop out rate for middle schoolers and high schoolers remains stubbornly high; currently 9% and 14% respectively. Since 2000, there have been many previous studies on developing educational support systems for the better academic adjustment of North Korean immigrant youth, but none on the pathways that North Korean immigrant youngsters in South Korea.