Over a dozen university students who defected from North Korea started intensive boot camp training with the country's Marine Corps so as to experience firsthand the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, a public foundation under the Unification Ministry said Monday.

According to the Korea Hana Foundation, 14 North Korean defector-students started a three-day program along with 20 South Korean university students at the Second Marine Division in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province.

Comprising equal numbers of men and women, the participating students will undergo airborne training and even carry out an small inflatable boat exercise.

"The students will undergo challenging mental and physical training that will allow them a chance to become more aware of national security," the foundation said.

The military camp training for the North Korean youngsters is the first since last July when it was held at the Army's Special Warfare Command.

An official from the foundation said the military camp training program for North Korean defectors is aimed at strengthening their leadership capabilities and imbue them with a sense of national identity. Such assets he said could make them better prepared for eventual unification of the two Koreas.

In addition, the program is designed to allow students to experiences the importance of communication and harmony with each other in overcoming hardships under difficult situations. (Yonhap)