By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
North Korean defectors here earn less than one million won on average per month, according to a survey released by the Ministry of Unification Tuesday.
More than 60 percent of 361 defectors interviewed are not satisfied with their income, which is likely to make it harder for them to settle down in the South.
The poll conducted last November found that 179 of respondents have a job and their unemployment rate stood at 9.5 percent, more than twice than that of South Koreans.
As of February, the nation's unemployment rate had reached 3.9 percent.
Despite their employment, their low average salary of 940,000 won ($680) burdens the defectors.
About 21.6 percent said their monthly income was less than 500,000 won.
Thus, the survey revealed that only 39.7 percent were satisfied with their income, while 60.2 percent were dissatisfied.
Furthermore, more than 20 percent are struggling with personal debts ranging from one million won to 10 million won.
Of the borrowers, 27.4 percent are indebted between five million won to 10 million won, while 16.4 percent owe less than one million won.
More than half of the respondents used the money to enable themselves and their family members to escape from North Korea, 13.6 percent needed the money to purchase staple products to settle down here, and 9.9 percent borrowed the money to buy a house, according to the survey.
More than 50 percent of respondents were employed at small-sized companies with 10 workers or fewer, while 18.6 percent were hired by firms with between 10 and 29 employees, the survey showed.
In regard to satisfaction in the work place, about 45 percent said they are slightly satisfied and 19 percent said ``very.''
Conversely, a total of 35.5 percent are dissatisfied their job, the poll said.
Fewer than 20,000 North Korean defectors reside in South Korea, according to the ministry.
After they land in the South, they have to complete a three-month resettlement course and vocational programs for six to eight months at Hanawon, a government-run facility, in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.
As many defectors are found to have difficulty adapting themselves to their new environment in the South, the ministry plans to open three centers this Friday in a bid to support their adaptation.