The BBC gets rare access to a South Korean facility that helps those arriving from the North.
By Michael BristowAbout two hours' drive from the South Korean capital, Seoul, in a rural setting of wooded hills and rice paddies, is a complex of buildings that look out of place.
The number of North Koreans making the difficult and dangerous journey to South Korea - risking possible death if they are caught - to escape poverty and repression has fallen significantly in recent years. With its hedges, flowers and manicured trees, Hanawon appeared welcoming in the summer sun on Monday, when the South Korean government gave journalists a rare glimpse inside the facility.
While the floor of another building looks like a modern hospital. There is a small ward, consulting rooms and doctors walking around in white medical coats. "He became very uncomfortable, so quickly finished eating and left the restaurant. He was worried about what people would think if they knew he was from the North."The facility, which is surrounded by a high fence with a guarded gate, includes a job centre
Woman B said she was unable to get a Chinese identity card, which meant she could not go to a hospital, get a bank card or even travel on a train.
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