Korean in Saudi Arabia
Photo Source:
Tycho Atsma - Unsplash
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| People Name: | Korean |
| Country: | Saudi Arabia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 177,000 |
| World Population: | 82,147,500 |
| Primary Language: | Korean |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 36.00 % |
| 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 Saudi Arabia. They learn to get along and cooperate, since they are all minorities in a culturally different land.
Koreans started coming to Saudi Arabia in the 1970s as temporary workers, but their migration peaked in the 1980s. Today one of the biggest Korean diasporas is in Saudi Arabia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
South Koreans in Saudi Arabia have two international schools. Some are common laborers and others work for Korean corporations. Koreans are planning on working with the Saudis to build a smart farm, using high technology and robots.
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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia.
Pray that Koreans will evangelize Muslims in Saudi Arabia for the glory of God.
Praise God for the amazing missionary vision of the Korean Church!
Pray for the Holy Spirit to draw many Muslims in Saudi Arabia to the Lord.