ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Increasing number of Korean Catholics in overseas communities , but there is still room for mission

Seoul (Fides Service) - According to Statistics of Overseas Korean Catholics published by the Korean Bishops’ Committee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, the number of practicing Korean Catholics in overseas Catholic parishes and missions increased since last year. The report speaks of a total 150,421 Korean overseas Catholics (8% more than the previous year), 4,501 newly baptised and 2,026 catechumens.
This increase means more Korean priests are needed overseas to guarantee adequate pastoral care. Among the dioceses and religious communities with staff on this mission, Pusan diocese has 27 priests caring for overseas Korean Catholics in 8 different countries, the Sisters of the Blessed Korean martyrs have 27 Sisters in 3 countries.
When compared with the number of 6 million overseas Koreans in general according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, registered Overseas Korean Catholics are a mere 2.25% , hence the need for evangelisation.
By continent Overseas Korean Catholics are present as follows 110,000 in North America, 17,000 in Oceania, 8,600 in Asia, 7,600 in South America, 6,400 in Europe, 400 in Africa. They are gathered in 163 parishes and 162 mission stations in 61 countries for Overseas Korean Catholics and assisted by 192 priests, 18 Brothers and 117 Sisters (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2007 righe 24 parole 241)