The Life of Labor of Female North Korean Defectorsin South Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the life of labor of female ‘Saetermins’ (new settlers) North Korean defectors who are living in South Korea; especially their experiences, difficulties compared to South Korean co-workers, and perspectives toward South Koreans. This study specifically endeavors to know their experiences in the job seeking process and working situation which includes salary, promotion, and treatment from South Korean co-workers. While this study focuses on female Saetermins, it aims to locate their experiences as job seeker and worker in comparison with male Saetermins, in order to know gender difference of their situation. To accomplish the purpose, the method of study uses comprises both statistical data analysis and in-depth interviews with Saetermins. The findings on survey are that: (1) Saetermins have more difficult experiences during the job seeking process than South Koreans (2) they have fewer job opportunities compared to South Koreans (3) in terms of working situation, they are paid less and have fewer chances for promotion than South Korean co-workers; (4) they have often experienced being ignored or excluded by South Korean co-workers at the workplace; (5) gender differences between female and male Saetermins are not found to be statistically significant; (6) but, the result of in-depth interview reveals that female Saetermins adapt more easily than male Saetermins during the job seeking process and the working life.