Korea

The Korean Methodist Church

The Korean Methodist Church (KMC) is a community of faith committed to sharing God’s love and renewing the church. With the vision “Light up the World by Restoring Spirituality and Church,” the KMC seeks to grow in trust, deepen its spiritual life, and serve the world with hope.

The church’s mission is rooted in its historic social creed, which guides its response to today’s complex challenges.

The KMC actively promotes environmental stewardship, supports strong family values, and advocates for human rights and democratic governance. It works to eliminate discrimination, uphold labour dignity, and pursue economic justice through fair distribution.

The church encourages moral renewal in the face of materialism and technological change, and engages in ethical reflection on life sciences and medical practices.

It affirms Christ as the source of salvation while cooperating with others to build a just society.

The church remains deeply committed to the peaceful reunification of Korea and global cooperation for justice and reconciliation.

Korean Methodism began in the late 19th century and grew out of foreign mission work. Early missionaries established schools, hospitals, and churches, including Jungdong Methodist Church in 1887.

Early revivals such as the Wonsan Awakening (1903) and Pyongyang Revival (1907) shaped Korean Christian identity.

In 1930, the KMC gained autonomy, electing its first Korean bishop and ordaining women. It adopted doctrinal and social creeds, emphasizing lay leadership and national relevance.

During Japanese occupation, Methodists resisted forced Shinto worship, with many imprisoned or martyred. After Korea’s independence in 1945 and subsequent division, Christians in the North faced persecution, prompting many to flee South.

Despite war and denominational splits, the KMC unified and launched a major growth campaign in 1974, reaching one million believers.

In the 1980s, it expanded into social justice missions, supporting workers, farmers, and reunification efforts. Entering the 21st century, the KMC responded to new challenges with inclusive outreach.