The Lutheran Church and Lutheran Theology in Korea

Lutheranism came to Korea with the American military chaplaincy of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in conjunction with the Korean War. The initial aim of these chaplains was to help the Koreans to improve their living conditions and to further their acquaintance with the Christian message. The main proponent of Lutheranism was Won Yong Ji, who for many years held a dual appointment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and at the Luther Seminary in Korea. His brother, Won-Sang Ji, was the first president of the Lutheran Church in Korea. Though the church has fewer than fifty congregations-most Protestant Christians are Presbyterians-its theological influence is significant.