Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Aug 03: Korea, North
Korea, North
Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea
Asia
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 122,370 sq kmThe larger part of the Korean peninsula, with a more rigorous climate than in the south. About 70% of the land area is mountainous.
Population: 23,990,703 Annual Growth: 0.39%
Capital: Pyongyang
Urbanites: 63.4%
Peoples
Peoples: 7 (57% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Korean Languages: 1 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Non-religiousReligion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
---|---|---|---|
Christians | 355,762 | 1.48 | 5.2 |
Evangelicals | 246,400 | 1.0 | 6.0 |
Non-religious | 16,625,557 | 69.30 |
Challenges for Prayer
Access to ministry in North Korea is greater than commonly perceived. Foreign NGOs, both Korean and Western, are on site through aid and development projects. Strict limitations on ministry are in place, but the very presence of believers and the testimony of loving generosity can make a difference in many lives. There are possibly hundreds of Christians in North Korea in this capacity.Present ministry opportunities:
a) Radio. Many South Korean Christian broadcasts as well as TWR and FEBC reach far into North Korea, but most radios are pre-tuned to government stations. Smuggled radios pre-tuned to gospel frequencies and Chinese tuneable radios are making their way into the country.
b) Bibles, the Gospels and tracts are smuggled into the country by various means as well as floated in via balloons from South Korea. Smugglers are liable to be executed if caught, but the rarity of Scriptures makes them extremely precious to believers. A North Korean dialect version of the Bible is being prepared.
c) Korean Christians from China and elsewhere who are able to visit and gain opportunities to witness. Korea is open to Chinese businessmen, and their easy access to the country could be strategic for the gospel.
d) Prayer networks for North Korea have multiplied in recent years, too many to list, and most have an Internet presence. Many thousands of believers are forming an unbroken chain of intercession for this nation.
For an additional 6 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.