Korean in Mexico
Photo Source:
Tycho Atsma - Unsplash
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| People Name: | Korean |
| Country: | Mexico |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 5,400 |
| World Population: | 82,147,500 |
| Primary Language: | Korean |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 31.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 16.80 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Korean |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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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 Mexico. They learn to get along and cooperate, since they are all minorities in a culturally different land.
The first Korean immigrants came to Mexico in 1905. They first went to Yucatan in southern Mexico. They were migrant farm workers who came because of a labor shortage in Mexico at that time. They didn’t earn enough to return to Korea. They settled in Mexico partly because Japan had just conquered their homeland. They eventually learned Spanish and integrated into Mexican society. A new wave of Koreans came in the 1970s, but they went to Mexico City.
What Are Their Lives Like?
South Koreans in Mexico City commonly set up hair salons, Korean restaurants, bakeries, and daycare centers. These newer Korean immigrants are more likely to speak Korean rather than Spanish. They send their children to weekend Korean schools so they can retain the Korean language. There is one Korean language newspaper in Mexico City, which is also home of the Korean Cultural Center.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Earlier Korean immigrants in Mexico were Christians. Today, they can be Christian or Buddhist, and there are two Buddhist temples in Mexico.
What Are Their Needs?
Koreans needs continued clear and consistent representation of biblical Christianity. Koreans in Mexico need to see Christians living out Christ’s teachings about love, service, and faith.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will ignite passion for him and his word in among Koreans in Mexico.
Pray that Koreans will evangelize the lost in Mexico for the glory of God.
Praise God for the amazing missionary vision of the Korean Church!
Pray that Koreans in Mexico will draw the local people to join them as a vibrant mission force.