(July 1, 2009) North Korean defectors take a life-threatening journey, traveling thousands of miles through China, Laos and Thailand, in the hope of settling as free citizens in South Korea. Intrepid South Korean journalists risk their own lives to capture the action and emotion.

A roundup of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

North Korean defector Myong Hui Eom talks about her daily life in North Korea as a school teacher, a Christian, and finally as a prisoner.

A round up of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

A roundup of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

In this lesson, students will learn about the conditions in authoritarian North Korea that have compelled many North Koreans to attempt a dangerous escape to what they see as the “Heaven” of capitalist South Korea. Also discussed is often-successful propaganda used by the North Korean government to convince its citizens that North Korea is in fact the real “Heaven.” Contained within are lesson activities as well as video segments which may be used on their own or in conjunction with the lesson.

A roundup of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

Learn more about North Korea from these additional web resources.

Photos essay of North Korea