ISRAEL - SOUTH KOREA Korean Christians in Jerusalem see their faith "grow strong"

ISRAEL - SOUTH KOREA
Korean Christians in Jerusalem see their faith "grow strong"

Israel's Koreans are a tiny but steadily growing community. Its Christian members are passionate about the work of evangelisation in the "land of the Bible". Korea and Israel have a lot in common and this helps the two understand each other "despite initial mistrust".

Jerusalem addition to building the faith at home, South Korean Christians are evangelising around the world. Small communities have emerged in Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The latest one is in Jerusalem, a community of 800 people that can be seen in the streets of the holy city, on Sundays, singing sacred hymns.

Near Ben Yehuda, there is a Korean restaurant and five small Korean churches. "Israel reflects the truth of the Tanach," Bible in Hebrew, said Yung Doo, a Korean man in his late 30s who moved to Israel two years ago with his family. "This is the land of David and Saul."

Whilst official estimates are hard to come by, South Korea's ambassador to Israel, Ilsoo Kim, estimates there are about 800 Koreans for about 300 families living in Israel, a number that is growing.

Most South Koreans in Israel are on student visas. Many study Bible at Israeli universities or at Holy Land University, a Christian graduate school that caters to Asians.

Some, fascinated by the place, have stayed to continue on their spiritual journey. However, as hospitable it can be, Jerusalem is not an easy place.

"It's not easy to approach Israelis," said Eunah Hur, who spends her day learning Hebrew in Jerusalem and attends a messianic church near her apartment. "But it's possible".

For the former Seoul resident, when you develop "good relationships, Israelis are warm and loyal," she said. "We have a specific word for these relationships, 'jung.' It's different from love and friendship." Both peoples have had a similar journey.

There are a number of similarities between Israeli and Korean cultures: a strong focus on education, a proficient high tech-sector, long compulsory military service for males and, perhaps most importantly, an existential threat from neighbours.

South Korea and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1962. Today, trade between them is roughly US$ 2.5 billion annually, especially in automobiles and mobile phones.

Evangelisation is a tough job too and promoting religions other than Judaism is frowned upon. In Israel, mixed couples are also not welcome. An estimated 40 Koreans in Israel married to Israelis.

However, young people are not easily discouraged. "Socially we have to do hard work. But it is ok. I feel my prayers grow strong."

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Posted by: Daniel Ioan Notar *DJ_DANY*