1. Pray for North Korea Pray for North Korea

2. The Korean Peninsula

3. Goguryeo – Goguryeo was one of the three ancient Kingdoms of Korea – The shortened version of the name ‘Goryeo’ is the origin of the English word ‘Korea’.

4. The Kingdom of Joseon – The entire Korean peninsula was governed as the Kingdom of Joseon for five centuries from 1392 to 1897. – It was renamed the Korean Empire in 1897 – Confucian ideals were entrenched and this period saw the height of Korean culture, trade, science, literature and technology. – Repeated invasions from Japan and Manchuria (Northeast China) resulted in a harsh isolationist policy and became know as the ‘hermit kingdom’. The throne hall of the Kingdom (Picture by Blmtduddl)

5. The first armoured boat was produced in Korea The oldest book created with metal moveable type is a Korean book.

6. History – During the early years of the 20 th century, Japan, China and Russia struggled for control of the Korean peninsular. – In 1910 Korea was occupied by Japan and this occupation lasted until the end of World War II. – During the Japanese occupation (1910-1945) Korean traditions and culture were suppressed and endeavoured to run the Korean economy for the benefit of Japan. – Japanese forces brutally suppressed any dissent. – During World War II Koreans were forced to support the Japanese war effort with many Korean women forced to become ‘comfort women’ and engage in sexual services for the Japanese military.

7. The division of Korea – At the end of World War II the Korean peninsula was divided, with the northern half occupied by the Soviet Union and the southern half by the United States. – Initial hopes of a reunited Korea faded as the Cold War resulted in the establishment of two separate states with radically different mentalities and structures.

8. The Korean War 1950-53 – On 25 th June, North Korea invaded the South and overran most of the country. A UN force led by USA intervened and rapidly advanced into North Korea. Near the border with China the Chinese forces intervened. – On 27 th July 1953, an armistice resulted in the restoration of the two separate countries. – More than 1,000,000 civilians were killed and almost every substantial building in the North was destroyed. – A heavily guarded, demilitarized zone still divides the peninsula with a strong US military presence in the South.

9. Pyongyang is the capital city and has a population of over 3 million people. Pyongyang is the Capital City of North Korea It has a population of over 3 million people. "Pyongyang western view April 2010" by John Pavelka

10. Politics – Kim Il-sung proclaimed the origin of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. – Kim Il-sung was proclaimed the ‘Eternal President of the Republic’ at his death in 1994. – There is not much that is democratic or republican about the state which is more like an absolute monarchy or a hereditary dictatorship. Kim Il-sung (father) by yeowatzup Kim Jong-il (son) The current leader Kim Jong-un (grandson)

11. Economic failure – The Korean Peninsula at night. North Korea is almost completely dark, the bright spot is Pyongyang North Korea’s infrastructure is obsolete and in disrepair. Power shortages are chronic and the poorly maintained grid causes significant power loss during transmission. North Korea has perhaps the most closed and centralized economy in the world. The shortage of skilled labour, energy, arable land and good transport links has resulted in a significant difference with South Korea.

12. Nuclear weapons – Earlier this month North Korea tested a nuclear bomb with a consequent earthquake being produced registering 5.1 magnitude. – They claim that this was an H bomb using nuclear fusion. – The Pyongyang metro was constructed with its secondary purpose being a nuclear shelter.

13. Pray for North Korea – Pray for the estimated 30,000 Christians in North Korea, some of whom are in labour camps because of their faith. – Pray that the Christians that are mistreated may be given endurance and courage as they face brutal attack and starvation rations. – Pray that there may be a change of heart amongst the ordinary people with a turning to the living God and away from the idolisation of human leaders. – Pray that there may be movement towards a more tolerant regime. North Korea claims to guarantee freedom of religion for its people but in reality it severely restricts religious activity. The cult of personality surrounding the nation’s leading family has become the religion of the state. – Pray that God will restrain the leaders of North Korea and grant a better understanding between North and South Korea.