Korean in Philippines

Korean
Photo Source:  Tycho Atsma - Unsplash 
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People Name: Korean
Country: Philippines
10/40 Window: No
Population: 89,000
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:

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 Philippines. They learn to get along and cooperate, since they are all minorities in a culturally different land.

What Are Their Lives Like?

South Koreans in the Philippines were attracted there for a number of reasons. Some wanted English language education, which was widely available in this former U.S. colony where English is a key trade language. The cost of living is lower than it is South Korea, and the weather is warmer. This attracts retirees who can’t afford to live in their home country. Others came to start businesses. Koreans in the Philippines have set up their own schools so their children can retain the Korean language and culture. Koreans have soft power in the Philippines because their dramas are popular in that Southeast Asian country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Koreans are Christians or Buddhist, though many are secular. Korean churches offer both spiritual guidance and social activities with other ethnic Koreans.

What Are Their Needs?

Koreans needs continued clear and consistent representation of biblical Christianity. Koreans in the Philippines 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 the Philippines.
Pray that Koreans will evangelize the lost in the Philippines for the glory of God.
Praise God for the amazing missionary vision of the Korean Church!
Pray that Koreans in the Philippines will draw Filipinos to join them as a vibrant mission force.

Text Source:   Joshua Project