Mission guide

Korea Seoul Mission

The Korea Seoul Mission serves in a country shaped by deep history, modern cities, and a growing Church.

Korean

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Korea Seoul Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

Korea Seoul Mission T-Shirt

$29.00

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Korea Seoul Mission Heart Map Shirt

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Korean on White: “나는 나의 예수를 자랑하노니”, 니파이후서 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Korean

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I Glory in My Jesus minimal shirt in Korean, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “나는 나의 예수를 자랑하노니”, 니파이후서 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Minimal Shirt (White Ink) – Korean

$29.00

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About the mission

The Korea Seoul Mission is based in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and serves in Korea. Seoul is a major center of government, culture, education, and transportation.

Korean is the main language spoken in the mission. Missionaries will use Korean in daily conversations, lessons, church meetings, and service.

At a glance

Country: South Korea
Main city: Seoul, about 9.6 million people (2024)
Language: Korean
Time zone: Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)
Climate: Hot, humid summers and cold winters, with a summer monsoon
Church in South Korea: 88,576 members, 12 stakes, 99 congregations

A short history of the area

Seoul’s history reaches back to 18 BC, when Baekje established Wiryeseong within the area of modern Seoul. In 1394, Yi Seong-gye chose Hanyang as the capital of the Joseon dynasty, and construction began that year.

Seoul changed names several times over the centuries, including Hanyang, Hanseong, Hwang Seong, and Gyeongseong. During the Korean War, the city changed hands four times and suffered heavy damage. It later grew rapidly, expanding from about 268 square kilometers to 613 square kilometers in 1963.

The Church here

1940sLatter-day Saint servicemen in the United States military began holding meetings in South Korea.
1951Kim Ho Jik returned to Korea after being baptized in the United States and began preaching the gospel with servicemen.
1953A Korean-speaking Sunday School was organized.
1956The first full-time missionaries, Richard L. Detton and Don G. Powell, arrived in Korea.
1962The Korean Mission was created on July 8, with Gail E. Carr as its first president.
1967The Book of Mormon was printed in Korean.
1973The Seoul Korea Stake was organized as the first stake in mainland Asia.
1981Construction of a temple in Seoul was announced.
1985The Seoul Korea Temple was dedicated in December.

Temples nearby

Seoul Korea Temple

Dedicated December 14, 1985 · Near Seoul

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Korean Read it free →

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)Hello
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)Thank you
잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?)How are you?
네 (Ne)Yes

Foods to try

Kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables, commonly served as a side dish)
Bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables, meat, egg, and sauce)
Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef cooked over heat)
Tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce)

Fun facts

Seoul became the first city in East Asia to have electricity, trolley cars, water, telephone, and telegraph systems at the same time.
Seoul has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the Seoul Capital Area.
Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Summer Olympics, and three matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

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