By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter

Korea is planning a series of aid programs for the increasing number of student defectors from North Korea, according to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Thursday.

The ministry will introduce after-school culture and mentoring programs led by retired teachers and college students to help the young defectors better understand the South.

It will establish more exclusive training institutions and standardized guidelines for their adjustment to life in a capitalist country.

Currently, 1,143 North Koreans are enrolled in the country's elementary, middle and high schools, compared with 421 in 2005.

``In line with the increase in the number attending school, we are increasing more programs for their smooth integration into society,'' a Seoul official said.

A recent survey showed that 378 North Koreans aged between 6 and 20 entered Korea last year.

jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr