Spiraling mountains, tropical islands, farming villages, and cities of colored lights--all these make up the wondrous nation of Korea.

Korea is a nation like no other. Its inhabitants are fiercely passionate people. They place great importance on the idea of waiting for one's "nim". The word, roughly translated, mean's "true love" or "one-who-cannot-be-replaced." (Read a story about waiting for your nim). Korean males serve a mandatory two-and-a-half years in the military, and their mates are forced to wait alone at home. Centuries ago, even concubines of the emporer would rather hurl them selves from a cliff, or stab their breasts with a ceremonial knife than succumb to the desires of their enemy. Even concubines remained faithful to their king.

Korea has a history of heartache and unresolved pain. Korean's call this pain "han". They call Korea "Hanguk" because of this pain. Korea has been occupied by countless nations like Japan, but has never invaded another nation. Many people mourn that Japan destroyed all but a few of the artifacts of their majestic civilization.

Strangely enough, the Korean word for God is "Hananim". The word "Han" can also mean, "one" so the word translates to "Sorrowful one, my true love, who can not be replaced." Korea was only evangelized by Catholics in recent centuries, but they were startled to find evidence that Christianity had been practiced in Korea long before the missionaries came. According to Korean Insight, 25 percent of the population, some 9 million people, are Christians.

Many people draw parallels between Korea and ancient Israel. It is a country of trials and sorrow. It is divided into North and South, sometimes called "evil" and "good". Ancient Israel even had the same latitude, similar weather, and mountains like Korea.

There are many prophecies, especially in the smaller villages that a Saviour will come to the nation.

Watch a Korean Scenery Slideshow!