Military Installed Ten Large Accommodations for Possible North Refugees

South Korean military authorities reportedly had set up ten houses of temporary accommodations inside seven army and naval bases near the Demilitarized Zone and are operating them in case of massive refugees coming from North Korea.

According to the source reported by the Ministry of National Defense on October 28, the South Korean army is currently managing six accommodations in each unit of the advanced base, which were established for the North refugees crossing the military demarcation line (MDL). On the other hand, the navy had built two centers each in the first fleet base (Donghae city in Kangwon province) and the second fleet base (Pyungtaek city in Kyeonggi province) in preparation for possible North Korean refugees by sea.

Regarding the report, an official of National Defense Ministry said, “The provision plan against massive refugee numbers fleeing from North Korea has become more specific with several revisions since it was established by the joint chiefs of staff in 1993. This plan used to be changed flexibly based on a variety of situations.” He also added that actual trainings have been implemented by the unit. However, the military authorities did not precisely explain when these facilities had started operating.

The temporary accommodations for the refugees installed in military base can admit approximately 200 people and are able to extend its capacity when required.

Regarding the escort procedure of the North’s refugees, Defense Ministry source encouraged persuading North Korean defection refugees to enter safely to the South at their first encounter. After that, the regulations stipulates a joint evacuation squad will guide the refugees to temporary accommodations, have them undergo interrogations from the South Korean authorities, and finally move them to the government facilities within a week.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com