The Round | Unification of the Korean Peninsula is not someone else's business,
It is a responsibility for all of us

The Round aims to build active civic roles that contribute to the integration of the Korean Peninsula. We empower defector youth as active agents of integration and prepare for unification by connecting their stories.

Coordinating the Integration
through Data and Reality

Facing the reality of our society through objective indicators and providing empirical evidence to design practical paths to integration.

Introducing Designers
for the Integration of the Korean Peninsula

Meet the faces of The Round's expert group who are redesigning social perception in our society.

TalkTalk: A Space Where Stories Connect
Surveys & Proposals

Stories connect people. Connection builds empathy, and empathy changes the future of the Korean Peninsula. Start a new communication with The Round.

THE REALITY & DATA

Coordinating the Integration through Data & Reality

Cumulative Defector Arrivals
0

Number of North Korean defectors settled in South Korea since 1997 (Ministry of Unification)

Ratio of Female Arrivals
0.0%

Percentage of females among cumulative arrivals (Total 24,944)

Recent Arrivals (2025)
0

Recent 1-year arrival trend showing a slight rebound after pandemic border closures

Annual Arrival Trends (2015 - 2025)

Arrival numbers, which fell sharply due to COVID-19, have recently been recovering gradually.

1,5001,0005000
2015: 1,275
15
2016: 1,418
16
2017: 1,127
17
2018: 1,137
18
2019: 1,047
19
2020: 229
20
2021: 63
21
2022: 67
22
2023: 196
23
2024: 210
24
2025: 223
25
*Source: Ministry of Unification, Entry Status of North Korean Defectors

Cumulative Gender Distribution

Due to gender-specific survival conditions and escape routes, the majority of arrivals are female.

72.2%Female Ratio
Female: 24,944 (72.2%)
Male: 9,593 (27.8%)
ABOUT THE ROUND

About The Round

The Round: Connecting Hearts, Designing Tomorrow

The Round symbolizes a 'round table' preparing for the future of
the Korean Peninsula, centered on the values of liberal democracy.

Our mission is to build a network of activists contributing to the integration of
the Korean Peninsula and to strengthen sustainable community foundations.

WHAT WE DO

Cultivating Experts

We discover and foster professional expertise in activists who can proactively practice integration in the field of Korean Peninsula unification.

Archiving Stories

We document the lives and precious stories of our members to widely disseminate universal values and build public consensus.

Strengthening Community

We reinforce community foundations that allow equal communication and solidarity to build a robust ground for harmony.

CORE PROGRAMS

Core Programs

The Round establishes a practical foundation where members of our society can leverage their expertise and grow together.

01
Active Capacity Design

Leadership School

An empowerment program where individuals design their own careers and visions through professional mentoring and education.

02
Community Strengthening

Unification Awareness

A harmonious arena that breaks down invisible barriers through sports and cultural communication, forming healthy bonds as equal members.

03
Leading Integration Discourse

Peace Forum & Archiving

Preserving vivid records of lives and presenting a new paradigm of social integration through deep discussions.

PEOPLE OF THE FUTURE

Designers

Meet the designers driving integration on the Korean Peninsula.

Soyeon Kim
Singer & Musician

Soyeon Kim

"A musician singing hope for the Korean Peninsula with her voice"

Eunju Kim
Author & Human Rights Activist

Eunju Kim

"From an 11-year-old's testament to a global voice of hope"

Younghyun Lee
Lawyer & Human Rights Advocate

Younghyun Lee

"A lawyer connecting the hearts of South and North through legal lenses"

Yousung Park
Director & YouTuber

Yousung Park

"A director portraying a new North Korea beyond media frames"

Ara Kim
Actress & Broadcaster

Ara Kim

"An icon of harmony narrowing the distance between South and North through art"

Kangwoo Kim
Broadcaster & Author

Kangwoo Kim

"A designer connecting South and North hearts through records"

Haneul Jung
Broadcaster & Unification Lecturer

Haneul Jung

"A messenger tearing down the South-North wall through dreams and challenges"

COMMUNICATION HUB

TalkTalk: A Space Where Stories Connect

Stories connect people. Connection builds empathy, and empathy changes the future of the Korean Peninsula.

Warm Solidarity

Request Share

We welcome applications from those who want to share warm items like cosmetics, clothing, etc.

Foundation of Self-reliance

Job Recruitment

We accept requests from corporations and organizations seeking talents to build the future of the Peninsula.

Academic/Policy Research

Request Survey

Request survey participant recruitment and analysis support for academic research and policy proposals.

Resettlement Support News

We deliver real-time benefits and news for North Korean defectors and South/North youth.

🔍
ACTIVITY STORIES

Activity Stories

We share meaningful updates from the field made by The Round.

Leadership Academy: Fostering Leaders Designing the Future of the Korean Peninsula

Leadership Academy: Fostering Leaders Designing the Future of the Korean Peninsula

Beyond simple resettlement, members from the South and North grow into key leaders who resolve conflicts and create new values in our society based on their respective expertise.

Sports Activity "UniOne FC": Proving the Possibility of Integration on the Ground

Sports Activity "UniOne FC": Proving the Possibility of Integration on the Ground

90 minutes of running and sweating together. An arena of harmony that breaks down psychological boundaries and affirms each other as equal teammates through the universal language of sports.

The Round Year-end Gathering: Strengthening the Power of Solidarity in Warm Hospitality

The Round Year-end Gathering: Strengthening the Power of Solidarity in Warm Hospitality

To support each other's daily lives and overcome loneliness, we share food, look back on the year, and build a family-like community where no one is left behind.

Perception Improvement Campaign "Path of Coexistence": Expanding Community Inclusion

Perception Improvement Campaign "Path of Coexistence": Expanding Community Inclusion

A public leadership activity where defectors plan campaigns, meet local residents directly, and redesign old prejudices into a healthy and open perspective.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Warmest Journey
Building Tomorrow's Korean Peninsula Together

Your precious participation is fully used to help members of our society stand as active experts and leaders on the practical stages of The Round. Please join us as a warm companion to open tomorrow's Korean Peninsula together as equal members, rather than just simple beneficiaries.

Guide to Donation Receipts

We are currently preparing an application for designated donation status. We will guide you separately through the website when issuance becomes possible (expected to take more than 1 year).

Transparent Financial Reporting

We transparently disclose the annual activity and financial reports once a year by mail and email.

Select Donation Amount

A monthly donation of 10,000 KRW is used to connect books and emotional mentoring once a month to those preparing for a new start.
LOCATION & GET IN TOUCH

Directions & Contact Us

The Round is always listening to your voice. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Contact Information

In-person visits are available by appointment only. Please schedule via the contact details below.

  • Headquarters Address

    57 Cheolsan-ro, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Near Cheolsan Station, Line 7)

  • Phone

    +82-2-866-6296 (Weekdays 09:00 - 18:00)

  • Email

    theround2030@naver.com

  • Official Website

    www.theroundyouth.org

The Round Gwangmyeong Headquarters Location

1:1 Inquiry