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

The first Koreans who came to the Netherlands were war adoptees in the late 1960s. As Asians, they stood out and were either pitied or given high standards of behavior. Many returned to South Korea because of the awkward situation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

South Koreans come to the Netherlands as students and businessmen, representing South Korean corporations. The Netherlands has fine universities which attracted many South Korean students and they have their own student association in the Netherlands. Those who have settled have excelled not only in business but also in the arts, theater, and sports.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Koreans are Christians or Buddhist, though many are secular. 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 including new religions and New Age spiritualities. Many modern, relativistic approaches to faith and hybrid religious belief systems exist. Christianity is the only faith that maintains distinct lines between those who belong to the belief system and those who do not.

What Are Their Needs?

Koreans needs continued clear and consistent representation of biblical Christianity. Koreans in the Netherlands need to see Christians living out Christ’s teachings about love, service, and faith.

Prayer Items

Pray that God will ignite passion for him and his word in among Koreans in the Netherlands.
Pray that Koreans will evangelize the lost in the Netherlands for the glory of God.
Praise God for the amazing missionary vision of the Korean Church!
Pray that Koreans in the Netherlands will draw the local people to join them as a vibrant mission force.

Scripture Prayers for the Korean in Netherlands.

References

Wallace Revels
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreans_in_the_Netherlands
https://www.linkedin.com/company/korean-students-association-in-the-netherlands-ksan-/