Ministry data showed that the number of incoming refugees began to double each year from 2011, reaching 1,011 in that year compared with 300 to 400 in prior years.

People officially recognized as refugees, however, are far fewer in number, records indicated. Thirty-six people were granted refugee status in 2008, 94 in 2014, 105 in 2015 and 98 last year.

This year, 31 people were given the status as of the end of June.

South Korea has instead been allowing them temporary stay in the country on humanitarian grounds, 14 in 2008, 539 in 2014, 194 in 2015 and 246 last year. South Korea provides financial assistance for refugee applicants for up to six months, but those here temporarily are ineligible for welfare benefits that refugees are entitled to.

The review process for refugees is slow, with only 10 people in charge, according to the ministry records. Only one of them exclusively conducts reviews, while the other nine hold other responsibilities within the ministry. (Yonhap)