In this study we explore how the North Korean escapees former education in North Korea(NK) affect their adaptation and identity formation in South Korea(SK). In-depth interviews with a total of six research participants revealed that their former education in NK had significant impact on their adaptation and identity formation in SK. First, former education experiences in NK had elements that needed to be discarded as well as those that provided the basis for adaptation. The education based on rote memorization and collective life in NK became hindrances in formulating critical and creative thinking in SK, while the life attitude that was formed as a result of reinforcement and punishment in the North Korean society made it difficult for them to adapt to life in SK. Education in NK did not help much in adapting to academic life in SK, but the learning experience itself was thought to have provided them with a ground for quicker adaptation in SK. Second, the research participants experienced difficulties in adaptation from the lack of knowledge and experiences due to the closed nature of the North Korean society. For instance they were not exposed to shared information and common knowledge of the outside world. Third, in the adaptation process the research participants exerted individual efforts to overcome difficulties while formulating new identities for themselves in various ways.