Introduction / History

Turkish-Korean relations date back to late in the first millennium AD when Göktürks assisted the Koreans against Tang Chinese forces. Many years later, in the 1950s, Turkey again came to the aid of South Korea during the invasion by North Korea by sending 20,000 troops. Since the Korean War, Turkey and South Korea consider themselves "brother nations." To this day, the two nations enjoy economic, cultural, diplomatic, and military ties. In 2013, both countries entered into a free trade agreement. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Turkish Embassy organized an art exhibition at the Bank of Korea in Seoul in 2017. The showcase featured preeminent paintings and calligraphy. Currently, South Korea is providing technical support in the production of the Altay tank, Turkey's third generation main battle tank. The two countries also cooperate in volleyball and soccer.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Turks in Korea are university students. Turkish children in primary and secondary school learn Korean and English. Knowing Korean will enable Turkish students to be part of the image that young Koreans project in popular culture—TV and music.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Turks are officially Sunni Muslim, but they mix pre-Islamic beliefs in with their Islam. For example, many are concerned about someone giving them the "evil eye," which is a form of a curse. Judaism and Christianity and their prophets are generally respected by Turks. The militant form of Islam is generally not approved by the Turkish majority. Turks are more likely to blame militancy on the Arabs, whom they consider to be from a lower culture than their own.

Prayer Points

Pray for God's abundant spiritual blessings on the Turks in Korea. Pray for fervent Korean believers to reach out in faith and love to the Muslim Turks among them. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Turks that will be satisfied by none other than the Savior, Jesus Christ. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among Turks to spread far and wide throughout East Asia.

Scripture Prayers for the Turk in Korea, South.