How Did the Gospel Get to North Korea?
Out of a population of 26.5 million, an estimated 200,000 people in North Korea are Christians. As we consider the Church today, we can gain insight by looking back in history to see how and when the gospel was first brought to North Koreans. So, how did North Korea get to this point?
How Was the Gospel Brought to North Korea?
For centuries, North Korea has been known as the Hermit Kingdom—isolated from both the world and the gospel. It remains cut off from the outside world today. In 1593, Spanish priest Gregorio Céspedes was the first Westerner to come to Korea. He hoped to share the gospel with Koreans. However, political authorities viewed the gospel as a threat, and Céspedes left a year later.
In 1883, Scottish missionary John Ross provided medical care to Korean trader Seo-Sang Ryun, who fell gravely ill in China. Ross also shared the gospel with him, and Seo became a believer. Together, they translated the Gospel of Luke into Korean, and Seo smuggled it back into Korea.
Soon after, other Koreans became Christians, and they gathered at Seo’s house to meet as a church. That house church—located in the remote fishing village of Sorae, just across the border of present-day North Korea—became the first Protestant church on the Korean Peninsula.
A house church in the village of Sorae, just across the border of present-day North Korea, became the first Protestant church on the Korean Peninsula.
Soon after, Empress Myeongseong’s nephew was almost killed and left badly injured during an attempt to overthrow the government. Dr. Horace N. Allen—a medical officer for the American legation—treated Empress Myeongseong’s nephew. In return, Korea allowed Allen to open a hospital, which became the first Christian organization in Korea.
This opened the doors to Christianity in Korea, and it spread quickly. Missionaries started coming to Korea, and Christian schools opened. Pyongyang—the capital of North Korea—became a hub for Christianity and was even known as “the Jerusalem of the East.”
What Does the Church Look Like Today?
Today, there are no traces of the Jerusalem of the East left in Pyongyang. In 1948, North Korea became its own country—known as the Democratic Republic of North Korea—after years under Japanese colonial rule. Since then, the Kim family has ruled North Korea.
As their dictator, Kim Jong Un has absolute power and requires complete reverence and respect. Every North Korean home is required to have a portrait of the Kim Dynasty, and face fines if the portraits are not well kept.
Pyongyang—the capital of North Korea—became a hub for Christianity and was even known as “the Jerusalem of the East.
This isn’t just about political power. The Kim dynasty wants to be worshiped and views any person, thing, or idea that inhibits worship of them as a threat. And that includes Christianity. Since the Kim dynasty was established, North Korea has changed from a Christian stronghold to a country that severely persecutes Christians.
Under the North Korean government, praying, owning a Bible, and believing in the gospel can lead to imprisonment, torture, and execution. A believer’s entire family could face imprisonment or death due to one person’s faith.
Yet, there is still a small Christian population in North Korea. Despite the danger, believers are meeting in secret. Also, numerous North Koreans have become Christians after fleeing the country.
How Can You Pray for the Church in North Korea?
In a country with such a small gospel presence and restrictions that make it nearly impossible to share the gospel, pray for opportunities to arise for the gospel to be brought to and shared within North Korea. Pray for the safety of believers amidst severe persecution. Pray that North Korean believers may have the opportunity to meet together as the Church, to share the gospel with their neighbors, and to have access to the Bible.
Watch Hard to Reach: North Korea – Full Documentary
In the midst of darkness, oppression, and poverty, pray that North Koreans may experience the true peace, fulfillment, and sustainment that comes from Christ alone.
Today, North Korea seems so far from the gospel and almost impossible to reach. Yet, we have confidence that nothing is impossible for the God who raises the dead. Pray that we may continue to see North Koreans turn to Christ and for the Church to grow. He has done it in the past, and he can do it again.
