Border security

North Korea shares its borders with China and South Korea, both of which have tight border controls to prevent illegal crossings. The border between North Korea and China is approximately 1,400 kilometers long, and the border with South Korea is heavily fortified with minefields, barbed wire, and armed guards.

Moreover, North Korea has heavily fortified its side of the border with both countries, making it extremely difficult to cross. North Korea has installed high walls, fences, and other physical barriers to prevent citizens from crossing the border. The country has also established a network of border guards and checkpoints along the border, making it challenging for citizens to cross undetected.

China has a policy of repatriating North Korean defectors if caught, as it considers them illegal economic migrants rather than refugees. This policy means that many North Korean defectors who attempt to escape through China face the risk of being caught and repatriated back to North Korea, where they face harsh punishment.