Only a small number of churches in South Korea are actively working with migrants, even though the country’s foreign population is growing quickly. A new national survey shows that just 12 percent of Korean churches are currently involved in ministry for migrants.
The survey was released by the Mokhoi Data Research Institute and reported by Christian Daily Korea. It found that while direct involvement is still low, interest in migrant ministry is rising. Among churches already serving migrants, 86 percent said they plan to expand their work in the future.
South Korea is now home to about 2.58 million foreign residents. This is roughly 5 percent of the country’s total population. However, church outreach has not kept pace with this rapid growth in the migrant community.
The study, called the Domestic Migrant Mission Survey, was carried out together with Hope Friend Korea Food for the Hungry. Researchers collected answers online from May 15 to June 10, 2025. A total of 1,655 people took part, including pastors, leaders of migrant mission groups, church members, and senior church leaders across the country.
Among pastors surveyed, 12 percent said their churches are currently active in migrant ministry. Another 21 percent said their churches had been involved in the past but are no longer doing so. This means about one-third of churches have had some experience working with migrants at some point.
Many pastors said their work with migrants started simply because migrants were living nearby. About 38 percent said proximity was the main reason. Others said they began after encouragement from others, while some were influenced by their own experience as overseas missionaries.
Churches that already serve migrants said language support is very important. Around 45 percent said migrants were drawn to worship services offered in their native languages or with interpreters. Active evangelism and practical support, such as daily living help and relief aid, were also key factors.
Foreign workers make up the largest group served by these churches, followed by international students and marriage migrants. Most of the migrants come from China, including ethnic Koreans, and countries in Southeast Asia. Many of them are young adults in their 20s and 30s.
Among churches that are already active, 68 percent said the number of migrant members in their congregations is growing. More widely, 92 percent of church members said migrant ministry is necessary. Even in churches not yet involved, 68 percent of members said they would be willing to help if such work started.
Migrant mission groups said their biggest challenges are a lack of workers and volunteers, as well as limited funding. Even so, most groups said cooperation with local churches has been helpful to their mission.
Researchers say the strong interest from both churches and members shows that migrant ministry could grow quickly in South Korea in the coming years. As the foreign population continues to rise, churches may play a larger role in helping migrants settle, find community, and adjust to life in the country.