Leaders from The United Methodist Church and Ewha Womans University pose for a commemorative photo during the 100th anniversary celebration held at Ewha on June 30, 2025.
From left: Rev. Hea Sun Kim, director of the Scranton Women’s Leadership Center and board member of the American Methodist Korean Women’s Mission Foundation; Sally Vonner, general secretary/CEO of United Women in Faith; Ms. Hyang-Sook Lee, president of Ewha Womans University; Ms. Jung Hae Park, board chair of the American Methodist Korean Women’s Mission Foundation; Jana Jones, president of United Women in Faith; and Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, executive secretary of the UMC Council of Bishops. PHOTO: Courtesy of Paul Kong

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — On June 30, 2025, a centennial celebration was held at Lee Sam Bong Hall at Ewha Womans University to honor the 100th anniversary of Methodist mission work in Korea.

The commemoration highlighted the century-long legacy of three foundational legal bodies that significantly shaped Methodist mission in Korea. In 1924, the American Methodist Korean Women’s Mission Foundation was established to support women-led mission initiatives. This was followed by the founding of the Foundation of Southern Methodist Church in Korea in 1925, which expanded the institutional and property base of mission work. In 1926, the Foundation of Methodist World Mission-Korea was formed to unify and strengthen the growing infrastructure of Methodist mission. These three organizations were instrumental in establishing more than 400 churches, schools, hospitals and social service centers across Korea, and later played a pivotal role in the formation of the Korean Methodist Church in 1930.

A special performance titled “Daughters of Korea, Empowered by Missionaries 100 Years Ago” was held as part of the centennial celebration. Graduates of the Scranton Women’s Leadership Program, serving as pastors, teachers and church leaders, led the performance. The choir’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” honored the legacy of early missionaries who brought the Gospel to Korea, transforming countless lives and inspiring future generations in faith and service. PHOTO: Courtesy of Paul Kong
A special performance titled “Daughters of Korea, Empowered by Missionaries 100 Years Ago” was held as part of the centennial celebration. Graduates of the Scranton Women’s Leadership Program, serving as pastors, teachers and church leaders, led the performance. The choir’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” honored the legacy of early missionaries who brought the Gospel to Korea, transforming countless lives and inspiring future generations in faith and service. PHOTO: Courtesy of Paul Kong

Methodist mission in Korea began in 1883 with the first donations toward missionary efforts, which led to the arrival of the first missionaries in 1885. Over the past 140 years, more than 700 missionaries have served in Korea, contributing to spiritual, educational and social development across the country.

Distinguished international guests attended the celebration, including Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, executive secretary of the UMC Council of Bishops; Jana Jones, president of United Women in Faith; and Sally Vonner, general secretary/CEO of United Women in Faith. Their presence symbolized the enduring partnership between the Korean Methodist Church and The United Methodist Church community.

This historic event celebrated the legacy of past mission efforts and reaffirmed a shared commitment to future ministry and collaboration.

The Rev. Paul Kong is the Asia Pacific Region Representative for Global Ministries.  

Asia Pacific Region of Global Ministries staff pose with Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Mr. Chang Won Lee (board chair, Foundation of United Methodist World Mission–Korea), Rev. Young Min Paik (executive director, GBHEM Lead Asia-Pacific Hub), and other volunteers and partners who supported the centennial celebration. PHOTO: Courtesy of Paul Kong
Asia Pacific Region of Global Ministries staff pose with Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Mr. Chang Won Lee (board chair, Foundation of United Methodist World Mission–Korea), Rev. Young Min Paik (executive director, GBHEM Lead Asia-Pacific Hub), and other volunteers and partners who supported the centennial celebration. PHOTO: Courtesy of Paul Kong