North Korean defectors apparently prefer seeking refuge in the United Kingdom over other European nations.

Radio Free Asia on Tuesday quoted the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees as saying that since 2004, the United Kingdom has received the most asylum applications from North Korean defectors, besting the previously favored destination of Germany.

The report said that from the late 1990s to mid-February this year, seven nations in Western Europe received over 700 applications and granted asylum to 280 defectors.

In 2004, some 320 escapees took refuge in Denmark, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Recent statistics show most defectors also seek to go to Austria, France, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and the United States.