ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on three kinds of contact spheres – the position of North Korean defectors in South Korea, South Korean humanitarian aid to North Korea and reunions of divided families. It shows how socio-cultural contacts affect inter-Korean relations. The Support Committee for North Korean defectors consists of religious and civilian organizations as well as special institutes. The enthusiasm for education in South Korea caused problems, it was hard for the defectors and their children to adapt to competitiveness. Defectors also faced unequal social treatment since their careers and qualifications were not recognized in the South. International organizations involved in providing humanitarian assistance to North Korea included, as of 1996, the International Federation of the Red Cross, the United Nations Childrens' Emergency Fund, the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Food Programme. The Asia-Pacific Committee or the Committee for Overseas Compatriots hosted South Korean visitors in specialized areas.
