A Journey of Faith Across Korea and Taiwan

Seoul

My time in Seoul began with Sunday worship at Seoul 1907 Church, where Pastor Kim Bukhan, a North Korean defector, leads a congregation with a special calling. The church is dedicated to supporting North Korean Christian defectors in China, underground churches, orphans in North Korea, and seminary students preparing for ministry. I also had the privilege of delivering a special offering to support their ongoing efforts. Even in the heart of a modern, bustling city, I saw the quiet power of the gospel reaching across borders and into places where the light of Christ is desperately needed.

1907 Church 1907 교회

Pastor: Kim Seong-geun (aka Kim Bukhan)

Address: 6, Gongneung-ro 46-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul (Gongneung-dong, Hyundai Plaza)

Gwangju

On March 30th, I visited Gwangju and attended worship at Shinsilhan Church (Faithful Church). Led by Pastor Yoon Su-il, this small church is dedicated to nurturing its members, especially the youth, with sound biblical teaching and a firm foundation in Reformed faith. I was particularly moved by how all the church members memorize the Ten Commandments from the Bible and confess them during worship as they prepare their hearts before God.

Gwangju Shinsilhan Church 광주 신실한교회

Pastor: Yoon Su-il

Address: 5, Dongdaemun-daero 191beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju (Duam-dong)

Jeju Island

From March 30 to April 1, I spent time on Jeju Island, where I visited Mosulpo Church (모슬포교회) in the southern part of the island.

On the church grounds is a small but deeply moving history hall dedicated to Pastor Ki-Poong Lee (이기풍)—one of Korea’s first seven ordained pastors in the early 1900s.

One story that especially touched me was that of Missionary Johanna Elisabeth Schepping (서서평 선교사), an American nurse who served the Korean people. She adopted orphans, shared the gospel, and taught young Korean women both the Word and nursing skills.

Mt. Halla

On the morning of March 31, I set out to hike Hallasan (한라산) in Jeju at 6:30 a.m. As I made my way along the mountain trails, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude and awe. When I reached the summit, I took a moment to pray for revival.

Taiwan – From History to Spiritual Awakening

While in Taiwan, I visited some of the country's most well-known landmarks—North Gate (北門) and Liberty Square (自由廣場).

Tamsui

 I also took time to reflect on a chapter of God’s faithfulness in Asia. One of the most significant aspects of my visit was learning about the legacy of George Leslie Mackay, a Canadian Presbyterian missionary who came to Taiwan in the late 1800s as a medical missionary. Through his obedience, not only did he address the physical needs of the people, but he also planted the seeds of the gospel.

His lasting contributions include the founding of a school that later grew into Aletheia University (真理大學)—named after the word “truth.” I also visited a history hall dedicated to his life and ministry, where I was deeply touched by how God gave him the strength to learn Chinese so that he could faithfully preach the gospel in the local language.

Taipei

Missionary Hwang spoke about his more than 20 years of experience working in Taiwan. Through his stories, I gained a deeper understanding of how mission work first took root in Taiwan, beginning with George Leslie Mackay, the Canadian Presbyterian missionary I mentioned earlier. He also shared insights into the contributions of Korean missionaries who have come to Taiwan in more recent decades. One particularly striking part of his talk was the impact of the severed diplomatic ties between Korea and Taiwan, which has created ongoing challenges for those working in the field today.

Missionary Sunghoon Kim (김성훈 선교사) shared his experience of ministering to North Korean defectors in China, a mission that led to his expulsion by the authorities. He now serves among the Bunun people (布農族), an indigenous group in Taiwan. I was encouraged when his wife shared that she and her husband, along with others, are praying for renewal and awakening in Taiwan.