110 Cities

What Are Their Lives Like?

Before the 1900s, Korea was an agricultural society with strong family ties. Almost all the people lived in small villages and worked on farms. However, since the late 1940s, the Communists have taken steps to industrialize the country. Today, most urban North Korean work in factories, while those in rural areas continue working on farms.

Arranged marriages are still popular in rural villages. However, a growing number of urban Korean now choose their own mates. Marital bonds have been so strong in the past that divorce was infrequent-even unthinkable. Today, however, the divorce rate among the educated urban Korean is steadily increasing; divorce is no longer a disgrace.

Education for the Korean is free and mandatory for the first 11 years. (This includes a year of preschool.) Students must have Communist Party approval to continue their education after the tenth grade. During their summer vacations, students must work for the state.

In North Korea, the government controls all aspects of Korean life. Most forms of entertainment are supported and controlled by the government. Even the work of artists is restricted. Anything that conflicts with Communist principles is forbidden.

The North Koreans eat mostly rice, occasionally supplemented by fish, vegetables, or fruit. The national dish is kimchi, a highly spiced mixture of Chinese cabbage, white radishes, and various other vegetables.

Pray that laws in North Korea that restrict the preaching of the Gospel will be changed.
Ask God to create an openness to Christianity within the hearts of Koreans.
Pray that the doors of North Korea will soon be open to Christian missionaries.
Pray that God will send His Spirit to convict Koreans of their need for the Saviour.
Ask the Lord to protect, strengthen, and encourage the small number of Korean Christians.
Pray that God will give these believers opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
Ask God to raise up strong local churches among the Koreans of North Korea.