North Korea

North Korea Factbook

North Korea is one of the most thoroughly repressed societies on earth. The government expends great effort to ensure that the people never come into contact with foreign ideas such as Christianity. The people of North Korea are very needy physically and spiritually.

North Korea is located in eastern Asia occupying the northern part of the Korean peninsula. The Korean peninsula is connected to north-eastern China and is west of Japan. The terrain is mostly hills and mountains and the climate can be harsh in the winter.

Over 26 million people live in North Korea. With very exceptions, all are native Koreans. Foreigners are not welcome.

The economy is in shambles. The centralized communist system has not worked. In the past North Korea received aid from the Soviet Union and China, but that aid has been cut off. North Korea lacks the food necessary to feed its people and has turned to western nations for help. However, North Korea has made no significant reductions in military spending in the face of economic hardship.

Korea was divided into North and South Korea at the end of World War II. A communist government took control of North Korea in 1948. In 1950, North Korea unsuccessfully invaded South Korea. The North Korean government has consistently taken a combative stance against South Korea and western nations.

The government has also harshly repressed all forms of religion. Before the communists came to power, may had come to Christ. Several hundred thousand Christians were forced to flee the country or were murdered. Today, there is likely a small number of Christians who worship in secret.

Almost no North Koreans have heard the gospel. The government has been particularly effective in isolating the people from all outside influences. Christian radio is available but very few have radios capable of receiving the signals. Christian literature does not exist except for the small amounts smuggled into the country. Pray that these barriers would be broken down that the people may hear about Jesus.

The North Korean government allowed a number of students to study in other communist nations. When the governments of these nations fell, many of the students heard the gospel and came to Christ. These Christians have the opportunity to return to their homeland and tell others. Pray for this means of reaching people in North Korea and for other means that we may not be aware of.

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