Korean in Korea, North

Introduction / History

The Koreans of North and South Korea share distinctive Mongolian features and are believed to have descended from a single racial group. Korean is the national language of both countries, but they have drifted from one another since 1948. Many Korean words have Chinese roots due to centuries of diplomatic relations. The Korean writing system uses 26 phonetic symbols.

Before the 1900s, Korea was an agricultural society with strong family ties. Almost all the people lived in small villages and worked on farms. When Japan was defeated in 1945, Korea was divided between a communist north and a capitalist south. There was a brutal war between 1950-53 that ended in a stalemate. South Korea went on to become a powerful industrial nation with a vibrant Christian minority. Though North Korea’s economy started out strong after the war, (mainly because of help from their communist allies) it degenerated into one of the world’s weakest economies.

What Are Their Lives Like?

North Korean leaders took steps to industrialize the country. Today, most urban North Korean work in factories, while those in rural areas continue working on farms.

Arranged marriages are still popular in rural villages. However, a growing number of urban Korean now choose their own mates. Marital bonds have been so strong in the past that divorce was infrequent-even unthinkable. Today, however, the divorce rate among the educated urban Korean is steadily increasing; divorce is no longer a disgrace.

In North Korea, the government controls all aspects of Korean life. Most forms of entertainment are supported and controlled by the government. Even the work of artists is restricted. Anything that conflicts with communist principles is forbidden.

The North Koreans eat mostly rice, occasionally supplemented by fish, vegetables or fruit. Most of their food is imported; they have frequent famines in North Korea. The national dish is kimchi, a highly spiced mixture of Chinese cabbage, white radishes, and various other vegetables. In reality, even those who are doing hard labor only get a bowl or rice and a bowl or cabbage soup for their daily allotment of food. Meanwhile, their leader, Kim Jung Un, is incredibly obese.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A mixture of Confucian thought, Buddhism, and shamanism (belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits) were previously dominant among North Koreans, but have been officially repressed since the communists took over. The former North Korean ruler, Kim Il Sung, was held in high regard and worshipped by Koreans. He was presented as omniscient and omnipresent. His son, and later his grandson, were also lifted high.

What Are Their Needs?

Starvation is a key problem in this oppressive land. Spiritual starvation is even greater. South Koreans are able to reach those who manage to escape North Korea.

Prayer Points

Ask God to create an openness to Christianity within the hearts of North Koreans.
Pray that God will send His Spirit to convict North Koreans of their need for the only savior.
Ask the Lord to protect, strengthen, and encourage the small number of Korean Christians.
Pray that God will give these believers opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
Ask God to raise up strong local churches among North Koreans.

Text Source:   Joshua Project