Living circumstances, access to education and mental wellness are what North Korean defectors struggle the most with after reaching South Korea, according to a new government survey.

The Ministry of Unification surveyed more than 1,500 defectors from Nov. 26 to Dec. 27 last year to better tailor support policies for the community. A multiple-option question on resettlement difficulties included family issues, education, addictions, mental health and COVID-related unemployment.

Some 25% of all respondents said they struggled most with economic “livelihood” in South Korea, closely followed by “education,” including college admissions, at 22%. Another 20% said they struggled most with “mental