Serving Children in South Korea

At a glance:

Officially known as the Republic of Korea, the country is part of the Korean Peninsula, sharing its only land border with North Korea. While South Korea is a developed country, since the 1950s, 80-90% of children born to single women are abandoned. The majority of children growing up in orphanages age out at 18 years old. With no family support and few options, many of them fall into depression, debt, and different traps of society. Orphans who age out are easy prey for sex traffickers, cults, and gangs. For those who manage to get into college, many of them struggle with debt and drop out due to the high tuition and living expenses.


Population: 51,780,579

Capital: Seoul

Religion: No religion (56.1%), Christianity (27.6%), Korean Buddhism (15.5%)

Language: Korean

Number of children aging out of orphanages each year: 6,000

South Korea

Ministry Overview

Serving orphaned youth in Korea as they transition into adulthood.

We partner with local ministries to aid Korean orphans in college by providing a committed mentor, family atmosphere, and financial support. Our greatest goal is to provide loving care for these students and help them succeed in life.

  • 65 children served
  • 4 in-country staff
  • 1 ministry site

Areas of Focus

We aid Korean orphans in college by providing a committed mentor, family atmosphere, and financial support. Our greatest goal is to provide loving care for these students and help them succeed in life.

Students without family are in great need of emotional support and guidance. Each student is paired with a caring mentor who is committed to the student until he/she graduates. Mentors call the students weekly and see them monthly.

Each student receives $500 a month to cover living expenses. With finances provided, students are able to dedicate time to their studies. This allows them to earn high grades and scholarships for tuition.

Stories and Updates

July 18

Learning to Love: Jojo’s Story

As a little girl, Jojo’s deepest desire was to be loved. Jojo ended up in an orphanage after her parents’ divorce. Often, children who grow up in orphanages never experience a stable home. Caregivers, social workers, and even other children …Read More

January 26

Now Reaching Orphans in South Korea!

As you know, we live in a big world with equally big needs. So it’s our joy and privilege to partner with existing ministries where God is already at work reaching the most vulnerable. Today, Lifesong partners around the world …Read More

“I had a lot of fear of sharing my thoughts and emotions but through my four years with my mentor I became more comfortable and confident. I didn’t feel alone while on Oak Tree Project because I knew I am accepted and loved no matter what. This program also helped me keep my relationship with God."

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