I found an interesting book at the bookstore last night. I didn't pick up a copy, but I will later on I am sure.
It is called "Nothing to Envy" and it is the result of several interviews with North Koreans who moved south in the last several years. Several thousand have managed to do it, and most of the interviews were of people who came from one large city in the north of the country, near the Russian border.
a reviewThis one particular region was where the less trusted folks were dumped. And when things broke down back in the early 90's, and there was mass starvation, this area was hurt worst. 20% died.
Weird place, even now.