Korean in Paraguay
Photo Source:
Tycho Atsma - Unsplash
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| People Name: | Korean |
| Country: | Paraguay |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 7,900 |
| World Population: | 81,945,100 |
| 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 have ancestral links to the ancient Mongolians and Turks. They likely migrated to the Korean Peninsula from as far away as Siberia. Korean is the language of South Korea and is spoken by as many as 80 million people worldwide, including a small minority in Paraguay, South America.
The first ethnic Koreans came to Paraguay and Argentina in 1865. Most of these have moved to Brazil since then, but there is still an enclave of Koreans in Paraguay. Early Koreans in Paraguay were beekeepers or door-to-door salesmen.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Though some still run small businesses like convenience stores, most Koreans are now lawyers, doctors, accountants and architects.
Though Koreans must learn Spanish for classes and to relate to others, they prefer to master the English language. They hope English skills will open more economic opportunities. Koreans usually send their children to the United States for university level study.
Koreans have made their mark in Paraguay. Some are journalists. Others have won beauty contests.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The dominant religions of South Korea are Christianity and Buddhism despite the fact that most of the population express no particular affiliation with a religion. South Korea has the third largest number of professing Christians of all the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries.
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. Christianity is the only faith that maintains distinct lines between those who belong to the belief system. For the other religions, it can be difficult if not impossible to know who practices what. New Religions and cults are popular with Koreans around the world.
The Korean Church sends the second-highest number of cross-cultural workers to other parts of the world. Koreans in Paraguay are reaching out to at least one indigenous tribe.
What Are Their Needs?
Korean culture is very confused when it comes to Christianity. There are many modern, relativistic approaches to faith and hybrid religious belief systems. Added to these issues is the influx of neo-paganism as promulgated by the internet, television and digital communication.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will ignite passion for him and his word among Koreans in Paraguay.
Pray they will evangelize Paraguay with the gospel.
Praise God for the amazing missionary vision of the Korean Church. Ask God to continue to raise up Korean missionaries to go to the ends of the earth.