After the destruction from the Korean War (1950-1953), South Korea was desperate for a new way forward. During this pivotal moment, when a wounded country was looking to heal, many US missionaries and FEBC brought hope that only the Gospel can offer.
In 1956, FEBC started a radio station in Seoul, where the Gospel could reach North Korea, China, Russia, and Mongolia, countries where missionaries were not allowed to enter. Since then, FEBC Korea has grown into a major radio network, broadcasting to 13 cities in South Korea. Yet, it’s estimated that nearly 34 million South Koreans, roughly two-thirds of the population, do not know Jesus.
About 31% of South Koreans identify as Christian, while 16% identify as Buddhist. The majority of the population, at 51%, reports no religious affiliation. And that number is on the rise.
The Need for New Faith
FEBC has been sharing the Gospel in South Korea for 70 years. We’re committed to persistently sharing the Gospel, every day, knowing it’s the only message that can truly restore people in all time periods and cultures. One listener recently shared, “I listen every day while working as a delivery driver. The broadcasts give me grace and encouragement.”
In March and April alone this year, FEBC Korea reported more than 73,000 responses to its broadcasting, including everything from call-ins and letters to social media comments and conversations to in-person visits. The widespread response proves the hunger for God’s Word across South Korea.
While many in South Korea came to faith in a time of crisis decades ago, the new challenge is to bring Jesus to a now-prosperous nation.
In a country with the world’s 15th-largest economy, many in South Korea’s younger generation do not see a need to commit their lives to the same structure that helped the older generation recover. The rejection of past traditions contributes to South Korea having the third-largest gap in the world in religious commitment between older and younger generations.
The decline of faith and the younger generation’s disinterest make today an urgent crossroads for the nation. Thankfully, we’re seeing God’s hand in the country every day.
Answered Prayers
Broadcasting allows us to share God’s Word at scale, but nothing is more personal than praying for individuals’ needs. Praying for another is to come alongside them and entrust God to write a new story, a story we can then share with others for their good and God’s glory. In March and April of 2026, FEBC Korea reported more than 13,000 moments of intercessory prayer.
One listener received prayer for her mother’s health, sharing, “My mother had a lump in her lung, and we prayed that it would not develop into cancer. We asked the intercessory prayer ministry to pray for her. By God’s grace, it did not become cancer, and the lump eventually disappeared. Hallelujah! She has now recovered much of her health and is living with little pain.”
More than 1,500 listeners reported giving their lives to Jesus or rededicating their faith. One listener shared how FEBC Korea’s prayer team led to the salvation of her grandfather: “Through the prayers of FEBC Korea, my grandfather accepted Jesus before he passed away and went peacefully to be with the Lord. Through this experience, I came to understand more deeply the power and precious gift of prayer. Just as FEBC Korea prayed with me, I also want to pray more faithfully for others.”
Staying Close to the Listener
Broadcasting the Gospel to 13 cities in South Korea is FEBC Korea’s core way of reaching communities with the hope of Jesus. However, the work never stops there. We’ve seen that God does the most life-changing work when local FEBC teams can stay close to the listener through phone calls, letters, counseling sessions, and home visits. In March and April alone, the FEBC Korea team had more than 3,500 individual counseling sessions for Koreans seeking help.
A listener in Gwangju shared how she escaped North Korea nine years ago. She said how she used to distrust Christians because she felt that their kindness wasn’t sincere, but only a tactic to get her to church. Then she met a woman who felt different. “For years,” she said, “ she stayed by my side with genuine love and unconditional care, whether I attended church or not. Because of her sincerity, I attended an FEBC event with her. As I continue attending, I hope faith will grow in me as well.”
South Korea has rebuilt itself from the rubble of war into a strong economy. But millions of Koreans are still searching for something more. The need has never been greater, and neither has the opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.
Because of your partnership and support, FEBC is able to continue sharing the Gospel with people who are desperate for hope – Thank you!
