The added that Je Chang-hee, a 38-year-old hostage, said the group had “lived like slaves”.

He said: “We had to level the ground for motorbikes, and get water [from a well] and make a fire.

“We were beaten by them many times, being forced to convert to Islam. They kicked us and beat us with guns and tree branches.

“Sometimes, they aimed their bayonet-topped rifles at our necks.”

“Like suffocating”

The hostages were split into small groups of three by the Taliban and Cha Hae-jin said her group was kept in a closed place which resembled a shed.

“It was like suffocating,” the 31-year-old said.

She said the food was bad and the captives vomited and suffered diarrhea, with some showing signs of dehydration.

“Four of us once had to share two potatoes for one day,” Cha said.

Although the former captives have been declared physically fit and allowed to leave hospital and return to their families, a doctor who had been treating them since their release said some may still need psychological counseling.

Many of the hostages confirmed they were suffering from psychological trauma.