The Republic of Korea, often called the Land of Morning Calm, has a history marked by persistent struggles against foreign invasions. These painful experiences profoundly shaped the Korean identity and, in the 17th century, compelled the country to close its borders almost completely to the outside world—earning it the name "the Hermit Kingdom."
For thirty-five years leading up to the end of the Second World War, Korea endured harsh oppression under Japanese colonial rule. The trauma of this era left enduring scars, whose impact continues to reverberate across subsequent generations.
Following liberation, however, the Korean people were confronted with yet another national tragedy—a civil war that set North against South. The conflict concluded only with a UN-mediated armistice, which cemented the peninsula’s division into a capitalist South and a socialist North.
The wounds of colonial rule and the tensions between North and South inflicted untold suffering on the Korean people. Yet, in the face of the urgent need to rebuild their devastated nation, many embraced the most arduous forms of labor—what came to be known as the “3D jobs” (dirty, dangerous, and difficult)—often undertaken abroad.
At the same time, Korea invested in its most promising students, sending them to the United States for advanced study. Equipped with the knowledge and expertise, these scholars became catalysts that helped propel Korea’s remarkable transformation into a “tiger economy,” celebrated worldwide for its rapid growth and development.
Korea Today
Today, Korea confronts pressing demographic challenges. Having entered the ranks of an aged society in 2018, it is projected to become a super aged society by 2026, driven by persistently low birthrates.
Ironically, Korea—once a nation of migrant workers—has now become a destination country, relying on millions of foreign laborers to fill the “3D jobs” that sustain its industries. At the same time, Korea has gained worldwide recognition as a cultural powerhouse, celebrated for K Pop, K drama, and K food. This global appeal has drawn many young people to Korea, attracted not only by its vibrant culture but also by the promise of higher wages compared to other countries.
In harmony with the wider movement of churches across Asia, the Church in Korea envisions itself as a Church of the Poor and a Community of Disciples, committed to evangelization and the transformation of society
Special attention is now directed toward the growth of Basic Ecclesial Communities, encouraging the active participation of youth in the life of the Church, and responding to the pastoral needs of older persons, migrants, intercultural families, and all who are socially vulnerable.
The Daughters of Charity in Korea
The Company of the Daughters of Charity is present in Gyeonggi Province (Gyeonggi do), situated in the central western region of the Korean Peninsula. This province encircles Seoul and Incheon, while its northern boundary meets North Korea’s Hwanghae do.
The Daughters of Charity have a significant history in this region. On December 27, 1978, the first Sisters arrived: Sr. Jeanne Kinashi, DC (Japanese) and Sr. Constance, DC (American). They began their mission in Nazarus Village, serving patients of Hansen’s disease. Soon after, Sr. Baptista (American) and Sr. Michael (Japanese) joined them. On April 29, 1980, the Gunpo Community was established, marking the first community of the Daughters of Charity in Korea.
The mission of the Daughters of Charity in Korea was first entrusted to the Japan Province (1978–1995). The first apostolates were dedicated to caring for persons affected by Hansen’s disease in St. Lazarus Village. In 1980, this ministry expanded into a Mobile Clinic for Hansenites in the northern part of Kyong-gi Province. These foundational works embodied the Vincentian spirit of service to the poorest and most abandoned.
In 1995, responsibility was transferred to the Philippine Province until 2016. Since June 2016, it has become part of the Province of St. Louise de Marillac - Asia. Today, the three communities of the Daughters of Charity in Korea—Gunpo, Yangju, and St. Louise Sanctuary—continue their apostolic mission. Since becoming part of the Province of St. Louise de Marillac–Asia (PSLM A), one of nine countries under its care, these communities have carried out ministries that embody the Vincentian spirit of service to the most vulnerable. Their apostolates include care in an Elderly Home, a Day Care Center for children—including those with disabilities, and pastoral ministry at St. Louise Sanctuary, which serves mothers and their children from international marriages who have suffered family or domestic violence. In addition, the Sisters extend their presence through hospital visitation, home visitation, and programs for the spiritual development of women, ensuring that their mission of faith and charity continues to flourish.
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