Mission guide
Korea Seoul South Mission
The Korea Seoul South Mission serves in South Korea, centered in the historic and modern capital of Seoul.
- Korean
Korea Seoul South Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
Korea Seoul South Mission T-Shirt
$29.00
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Korea Seoul South Mission Heart Map Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →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.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
More shirts in the language of this mission
Press Forward, in the language of this mission
"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Korean is the mission language. Missionaries will use Korean in teaching, worship, service, and everyday conversations.
At a glance
- Country
- South Korea
- Main city
- Seoul, 9,579,449 people (Q1 2026)
- Time zone
- Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)
- Climate
- Hot, humid summers and cold winters, with a summer monsoon season
- Church in South Korea
- 88,576 members, 12 stakes, 99 congregations
- Family history
- 23 FamilySearch Centers
A short history of the area
During the Korean War, Seoul changed hands four times and suffered heavy damage. The city later expanded rapidly. Its area more than doubled in 1963, and Seoul became a major center of transportation, business, education, and culture in South Korea.
The Church here
- 1940sLatter-day Saints serving in the United States military began holding meetings in South Korea.
- 1951Kim Ho Jik, who had been baptized in the United States, returned to Korea and worked with servicemen to preach the gospel to Korean people.
- 1950–1953During the Korean War, many people were baptized.
- 1953A Korean-speaking Sunday School was organized.
- Mid-1960sThousands had accepted the restored gospel, and the Book of Mormon had been published in Korean.
- 1962The Korean Mission opened on July 8, with Gail E. Carr as its first president.
- 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.
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
- 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)Goodbye, said to someone who is leaving
- 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo)It is okay
Foods to try
- Bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg)
- Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef)
- Kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables, usually cabbage)
- Tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce)
Fun facts
- Seoul’s name traditionally means “capital city” in native Korean.
- Seoul became the first city in East Asia to have electricity, trolley cars, water, telephone, and telegraph systems at the same time.
- Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Summer Olympics, and three matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.