Bible and Literature Focus Group Overview

Did you know that the North Korean language is significantly different than that of South Korea? While many of the verbs are the same, many of the terms are completely different. Terms in South Korea developed with a heavy English influence, while terms in North Korea developed with both Chinese and Russian influence. For this reason, North Korean students reading South Korean text books will have great difficulty understand what’s being said.

As well, there’s a significant difference in pronunciation. In fact, there are two North Korean spoken dialects, the Pyongyang dialect, and the Northern North Korean dialect. For all these reasons, missiologists consider North Korean to be a different language.

God’s word propagates fastest, when it is in the heart language of his people. For this reason, there’s a great need for the development of written and audio material, in the North Korean language / dialects.

We strongly believe that God helps His people to hear His word of truth by using His chosen workers, especially in North Korea. After we deliver Bibles and evangelical materials, many recipients share them with non-believers risking punishment, imprisonment, or in some cases, even death. Having a translation that is appropriate for North Koreans will allow the Gospel to spread quickly, despite those obstacles. Even now, still separated from the rest of the world, the persecuted church needs a bible that they can understand, especially a North Korean version.


The Bible, training materials, and evangelism materials are currently being delivered into the hands of North Korean believers and non-believers. Many have expressed that they have an extremely difficult time understanding the Bible. We are so grateful for the work that has been done to develop a more effective North Korean version has been translated to account for their culture and language differences that have developed during 70 years of isolation.  Literature distribution projects include:

  • Bible Printing and Distribution – North Korean Bible (Old and New Testament) and Manga Messiah.  Printing, storage (SK and China) and distribution. 
  • Parallel Version North / South Korean Bible (North Korean translated from the original Hebrew and Greek).
  • Bible Study Materials – Multiple bible study programs and materials.
  • Evangelical Materials – Evangelical books and gospel tracts.