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North Korea

World Watch List Rank: 1
Leader: Kim Jong-Un
Population: 25,155,000 (300,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Atheism/traditional beliefs
Government: Communist dictatorship
Source of Persecution: Dictatorial paranoia

North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. The state has an iron grip on its citizens; any who deviate from the two ideologies of 'Juche', which points to man's self-sufficiency, and 'Kimilsungism', the god-like worship of the nation's leading dynasty, are considered enemies of the state. Thousands of Christians are incarcerated in prison camps in North Korea, and while there are many secret believers, they face arrest, disappearance, torture, or public execution if discovered. Yet the church there is not only surviving, but growing.

Persecution dynamics

Chun was sent to one of North Korea's horrific labour camps after she tried to escape to China, punishment for 'defecting'. "I was beaten and tortured so badly that I could barely stand up," she says.

But in that dirty, cramped, overcrowded prison cell, she encountered the love of Jesus. "There was one lady who was really kind to me. When I was in so much pain she invited me to lay my head in her lap. She stroked my hair.

"This lady came to faith when she was in China. She was put behind bars, just like me. It did not stop her from doing Christ's work."

Thousands of Christians are incarcerated in prison camps in North Korea, and most will stay there until they die. The state has an iron grip on its citizens; any who deviate from the two ideologies of 'Juche', which points to man's self-sufficiency, and 'Kimilsungism', the god-like worship of the nation's leading dynasty, are considered enemies of the state.

There is a social stratification system in North Korea called 'Songbun', similar to the Indian caste system. These are divided into three main classes: the loyal, the wavering and the hostile. These are further divided into 51 subclasses; Christians are part of the 'hostile' class, with Protestant Christians being 37 and Catholic Christians being 39.

Choosing to follow Jesus is one of the most dangerous decisions a person can make in North Korea. If discovered, they face arrest, torture, imprisonment, and perhaps even public execution.

And yet, many have decided that knowing Jesus is worth it. Their only Bible may be in their mind. They may never meet with more than one other believer. They may never say the name of Jesus aloud. But the church in North Korea is not only surviving, but growing - and they have great hope for the future. One Christian has shared: "One day the borders will open and we will unite with the South Korean and the Chinese Church to bring the Gospel to some of the darkest places on this earth."

Chun eventually became a Christian some time after meeting this believer in a labour camp. She says "Despite all my suffering I love God with my whole heart. I am so grateful for Him."

Please Pray:

Ask for comfort and strength for the thousands of Christians imprisoned in labour camps, and the isolated believers who worship in secret.
Praise God that, despite fierce opposition, the church is very much alive and has a vision to bring the gospel to the nations.
Praise God that a UN report in February 2014 has brought North Korea to the attention of world leaders. Ask God to give them wisdom as they respond.

You can help

Pray with the church in North Korea using our new prayer resource, Live Like a North Korean
Make a gift to support Christians who are giving up everything to follow Jesus
Pray for the leaders of North Korea

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Listen to Hae Woo's story

Recorded for Premier Radio during a visit to the UK in 2014, Hea Woo tells firsthand the story of how she survived as a Christian in North Korea's prison camps.

Day One: Her husband's story