Getting out of North Korea is only the first border.
We support people escaping North Korea with clear information, sustained advocacy, and a community that keeps showing up after the news cycle moves on.
Distance is the easy part. Belonging is what takes years.
Every year, people make the decision to leave North Korea — a decision made in silence, often at enormous personal risk, and rarely with any guarantee of what comes after.
Silent Passage Project exists to make the "after" less uncertain. We focus on the parts of this journey that get the least attention: understanding what the process actually involves, knowing which organizations and channels are trustworthy, and building a support network that lasts well beyond arrival.
We are not a government agency and we do not conduct crossings. We work alongside the people, organizations, and communities already doing that work — pointing toward reliable information and helping others understand what's really at stake.
You don't need a border crossing to make a difference.
Awareness moves slowly and then all at once. Here's where to start, in the order most people find useful.
Understand the reality
Most misconceptions about defection come from outdated media. Read from human rights organizations and firsthand accounts before forming an opinion.
See our reading list →Raise it with others
This issue stays invisible when it's only discussed by specialists. Bring it up. Share what you learn with people who've never thought about it.
Ask us for talking points →Get involved directly
We're volunteer-run and growing. If you have time, relevant language skills, or professional experience that could help, we want to hear from you.
Get in touch →What we're reading and working on
This section is brand new, same as the project. Updates will start appearing here as we get going — check back soon.
Say hello
Whether you want to volunteer, share a resource, or just ask a question — we read everything that comes in.
hello@silentpassageproject.org