북한이탈 중년여성의 남한정착과정과 평생학습 경험

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate lifelong learning experiences which affected the settlement process of North Korean mid-aged female refugees throughout adaptation period after they landed in South Korea. It was fully discussed what kinds of lifelong learning were experienced by the refugees and how the experiences led to changes in their lives. The five participants, North Korean mid-aged female refugees between the age of 35 and 55, were selected by snowball sampling. Their interviews were analyzed using a qualitative method after in-depth interview to find out differences and similarities in their lifelong learning experiences. The results showed that North Korean mid-aged female refugees took compulsory education at one of resettlement centers, Hanawon. The education provided them with training to nurture positive attitudes, self-development and competence in succeeding in South Korea. The learning experiences helped the refugees to lay the foundations to live and anticipate their second blossoming in South Korea. Moreover, the learning experiences fulfilled their passion and thirst for learning, and strong will for not handing down poverty and surrender to inequality to their children. The findings presents that some psychological efforts are required for the participants to promote their social competence and independence: positive attitude and self-image, desire for learning and new life, and determination for not handing down their current situation.