Introduction / History

Koreans are believed to have ancestral links to the ancient Mongolians and Turks. They likely migrated to the Korean peninsula from as far away as the Siberian region. Distinct regional differences in culture and politics exist among South Koreans. The most important regional difference is between the Gyeongsang region in the southeast and the Jeolla region in the southwest. The two regions maintain a rivalry that reaches back to the fourth century AD. The rivalry originated from a struggle for control of the peninsula. Korean regional differences melt away among those who migrate to other countries like the United Kingdom. They learn to get along and cooperate, since they are all minorities in a culturally different land.

The United Kingdom established relations with South Korea even before the 1950-53 Korean war. That paved the way for Koreans to migrate to their country. Today, South Koreans are most likely to be found in New Malden, a suburb of London.

What Are Their Lives Like?

South Koreans are well-established in London. They often own small businesses such as hair salons, children’s day care, stationary shops, and book stores. There are two Korean language newspapers in London. Sometimes Korean restaurant owners get on the bad side of the municipal government by bypassing regulations for uncertified table-top gas cookers, etc. Koreans have also influenced the United Kingdom through music, cinema, literature, professional sports, fashion design, and even race car driving.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Koreans are Christians or Buddhist, though many are secular. Many Koreans see religion as an inherited trait as much or more so than a faith. Also, many South Koreans practice elements of several belief systems including new religions and New Age spiritualities. Many modern, relativistic approaches to faith and hybrid religious belief systems exist. Christianity is the only faith that maintains distinct lines between those who belong to the belief system and those who do not.

What Are Their Needs?

Koreans needs continued clear and consistent representation of biblical Christianity. Koreans in the United Kingdom need to see Christians living out Christ’s teachings about love, service, and faith.

Prayer Items

Pray that God will ignite passion for him and his word in among Koreans in the United Kingdom.
Pray that Koreans will evangelize the lost in the United Kingdom for the glory of God.
Praise God for the amazing missionary vision of the Korean Church!
Pray that Koreans in the United Kingdom will draw the local people to join them as a vibrant mission force.

Scripture Prayers for the Korean in United Kingdom.

References

Wallace Revels
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Koreans