Purpose: This study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the college life experiences of nursing students who are North Korean defectors.

ethods: A qualitative research design employing thematic analysis was utilized. The data were collected in November 2024 through in-depth, one-on-one interviews with the nine participants.

Results: Six themes and 19 sub-themes were identified. The six themes were (1) recognition of the value of nursing through personal experiences; (2) the ongoing journey of academic challenges and adaptation; (3) the will to rise above challenges in life; (4) ambivalent emotions between belonging and isolation; (5) a spirit of giving rather than receiving; and (6) gratitude for irreplaceable freedom.

Conclusion: This study revealed the perceptions of and academic challenges faced by nursing students who are North Korean defectors. Despite their hardships, they expressed gratitude for their freedom and maintained hopes for a brighter future. These findings are expected to serve as a foundation for developing targeted strategies to provide the necessary support for this population in the future.