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Kim Gwan-cheol (not his real name), 22, works at a car inspection center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Like other North Korean defectors his age, Kim once thought about entering a university, but he felt he was not the right person for that kind of study.

"Many of those who entered good universities had to stop their studies due to the problem of adaptation. I decided that obtaining technical skills and earning money was better than that," Kim said.

Kim, along with his father and a brother, entered South Korea by fishing boat in the summer of 2002. He first got a job at a gas station, and then went on to study for a year at an automotive department of a technical school operated by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. Kim received 150,000 won (US$163) every month [from who?] <<<<>>> while studying. While there, he always thought it strange that South Korean youths did not seem drawn to what the school had to offer.

He went on to attend a technical college, and obtained a license for inspecting automobiles. His lack of ability in English slowed his efforts down, as he passed the test only after two failed attempts. His automobile maintenance license the next year was a little bit easier to obtain.

He earns 1.8 million won a month (US$2,000) and he saves up to 1 million won of this, making him able to save 10 million won last year. His dream is to own a automotive-related business, such as a car repair center or a shop selling car parts.

Even though he has been leading an austere life, he recently bought a car. He travels with his family to spots around the country two or three times every month. He tried snowboarding at a ski resort two weeks ago and he plans to visit the Korean Folk Village in Yongin this week.

Regarding the problem of youth unemployment in South Korea, Kim said his South Korean counterparts seem too conscious of working conditions in their search for a job. His remarks showed his entirely different perspective on South Korean society, as well as a strong will to resettle successfully.

His apartment in Yangcheon-gu is permeated by a "man’s smell," he says, but he expresses optimism regarding his romantic prospects in his new life in the South. "My father has been maintaining a good relationship with a female North Korean defector living in the next apartment complex. They will likely marry," said Kim.


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