A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Life Experiences of North Korean Female Defectors

This study aimed to comprehensively review the life experiences of North Korean female defectors through meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. The method of this study was applied to Meta-ethnography of Noblit and Hare. Four databases were used to search the literature: CINAHL, PubMed, RISS, National Assembly Library and searching keyword were ‘North Korean female detectors’, ‘life experiences’ and ‘qualitative research’. 60 references were identified and relating to six qualitative studies were included in the review. The themes were synthesized by three categories: perception of life dualism in North Korea; life crisis in a third country; adaptation to reality. Through this study, it is possible to improve the understanding of life experiences of North Korean female defectors. The results of this study made grounds of real strategies for developing life settlement programs of North Korean female defectors.