South Korea’s Ministry of Unification (MOU) publishes yearly statistics on the provinces of origin of North Korean defectors settled in South Korea.

According to the figures, as of the year 2016, over 75% (23,138) of all North Korean defectors hailed from just two provinces: North Hamgyong Province and Ryanggang Province, with the former accounting for over 60% (18,665) of all defections.

This may not come as a large surprise, given that both provinces straddle the border with China, but 75% is still a significant portion given that the DPRK has nine other provinces.

In addition to this, there are yet