Twenty-five North Korean defectors say they are ready to begin a new life in South Korea. 

The group, including six families and two orphaned girls, arrived in Seoul Monday after a four-day stopover in Manila. The defectors waived to television cameras and briefly answered questions before being escorted away by South Korean officials. 

One of the defectors, Lee Song, told reporters that the group wanted to live in freedom and hope in South Korea. 

The group will have to undergo a mandatory three-month adjustment program before blending into South Korea's capitalist society. Officials say the program will teach the North Koreans lifestyle tools, including how to open a bank account and how to use the subway system and personal computers. 

Human rights groups have praised South Korea for its humanitarian approach to the refugees. 

Last week, the North Koreans stormed the Spanish embassy in Beijing, seeking asylum. The defectors threatened to commit suicide if they were returned to Stalinist North Korea. 

After whirlwind talks with five countries, the refugees were granted asylum in South Korea. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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