Impacts of North Korean Defectors’ Cultural Orientation, PTSD, and Resilience on Their Social Adaptation in South Korea

Introduction: Over 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea, facing challenges in adapting to a new society. This study aimed to examine how cultural orientation, PTSD, and resilience influence their social adaptation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 171 North Korean defectors using validated tools to assess cultural orientation, PTSD symptoms, resilience, and social adaptation. Results: PTSD was prevalent in 24% of participants and strongly negatively correlated with social adaptation ( r = −.61, p < .001). Resilience showed a positive association with adaptation ( r = .46, p < .001) and served as a protective factor against PTSD. Horizontal cultural orientation correlated with adaptation but was not a significant predictor. PTSD severity was the strongest predictor of poor adaptation. Discussion: These findings underscore the need for long-term, culturally appropriate mental health interventions and resilience-building programs to enhance the social integration of North Korean defectors and inform refugee support policy.