(Get this design on a T-shirt!)
Free resources about the Korea Busan (Pusan) Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Korea LDS Missions.
Korea Busan Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Korea Busan Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Korea Busan Mission
Woo Jang Choon Ro 59 Beon Gil 2
Oncheon Dong 1039-1
Dong Rae Gu
SOUTH KOREA
Phone Number: 82-51-552-7011
Mission President: President Kenneth S. Barrow
Korea Busan Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Korea Busan Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Busan Mission:
Videos with Korea Busan RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Korea Busan Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
Videos about South Korea
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about South Korea. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about South Korea, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Korea Busan Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Korea Busan Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Korea Busan Mission Groups
Here are Korea Busan Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Busan Mission.
- Korea Pusan Mission Facebook Group (506 members)
- Korea Busan LDS Mission Facebook Group (179 members)
- Korea Pusan Mission (President Seo) 2002-05 Group (160 members)
- Busan, Daejeon, Seoul Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (42 members)
- Korea Busan Mission (President Barrow) 2014-17 Group (7 members)
- Busan, Daejeon, Seoul and Seoul South Group (6 members)
- Korea Pusan Mission 1990-1994 Facebook Group (1 member)
Korea Busan Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Korea Busan Mission!
Shirt designs include Korea Busan Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Korea Busan missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Busan Mission gifts *Pusan Mission Gifts
Korea Busan Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Busan LDS Mission.
- 2017-2020, Dong Hwan Jeong
- 2013-2016, Kenneth Scott Barrow
- 2011-2013, Lynn A. Gilbert
- 2008-2011, Kenneth Wayne Jennings
- 2005-2008, Pyung Jong Song
- 2002-2005, Hee Chul Seo
- 1999-2002, Robert Slover
- 1996-1999, Steven R. Leishman
- 1993-1996, W. Richard Herd
- 1990-1993, Won Seo
- 1987-1990, Mark Peterson
- 1984-1987, James Harper
- 1981-1984, Byung Kyu Pak
- 1978-1981, Ho Nam Rhee
- 1975-1978, In Sang Han
South Korea LDS Statistics (2016)
- Church Membership: 87,296
- Missions: 4
- Temples: 1
- Congregations: 122
- Family History Centers: 24
Helpful Articles about South Korea
Korea Busan Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Korea Busan RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 2015-2017 (Candice)
- 2014-2016 (Chris)
- 2014-2015 (Abigail)
- 2014-2015 (Tessa)
- 2011-2013 (Margaret)
- 2007-2009 (Derrick)
- 2000-2002 (Leathen)
- 1990-1992 (David)
- 1987 (Melanie)
- 1986-1988 (Nick)
- 1977-1979 (Steven)
Which areas did you serve in?
- Gwangan/Haeunde, Hogye, Kyongsan, Tongyeong/Goeje, Gyungju, Gumi. (Candice)
- Daegu, Jimhae, Tongyoung, Gimhae, Gimcheon. (Chris)
- Jungri, Gimhae, Bangeojin, Tongyeong, and Geoje. (Abigail)
- Suseong (Daegu), Gwangan/Haeundae (Busan), Shinjeong (Ulsan), Tongyong/Geoje, Jeju Island. (Tessa)
- Tong yong, Susong in Daegu, and Daeshin in Busan. (Margaret)
- Daegu (DaeMyeong), Jinhae, PoHang, HaeunDai. (Derrick)
- Pusan, Cheju island, Kimhae. (Leathen)
- Jinhae, Jeju, Kimhae, Busan. (David)
- Cheju and Pusan (Melanie)
- Taegu Kimchon Kumi Young Chun. (Nick)
- Pusan, Chinju, Kwangju and Pusan again. (Steven)
What were some favorite foods?
- 김치찌개, 된장찌개, 돈까스 김밥, 육개장, 떡 (Candice)
- 감자탕 삼겹살 소불고기 찌개 (Chris)
- 찜닭!! (Chim dalk), 떡볶이 (Ddeok bokki), and 돼지 국밥 (dwegi guk bab). (Abigail)
- Kimchi, chapchae, bulgogi, samgyobsal. (Tessa)
- Kimbop, Cucumber kimchi, Sesame leaves, Kimchi chigae, Sundubu chigae, Bibimbap, All the side dishes! (Margaret)
- Donkkaseu, Kim-Chi Chigae, Samgyeopsal. (Derrick)
- Chicken rib stir fry, Octopus stir fry, Kimchi fried rice, Sweet and sour chicken. (Leathen)
- Kalbi, Kimchee Chegae, Choco pies. (Melanie)
- Liked Pul Kogi and Chap Jae Pap. (Nick)
- Sam-sung Jjjajjiamyun, but almost anything! (Steven)
What was a funny experience?
- Once a Korean grandma gave us rice cakes and clementines, like shoved them into our hands and mouths because she said my companion and I were beautiful angels from God after we wished her a happy day and a merry Christmas. (Candice)
- Always getting spanked by all if the grandmas while walking through the market or down the street! (Abigail)
- There were so many funny things that happened. One time I had a blonde companion and we looked nothing alike, but this super old man who lived in the countryside was so thrilled to see us, and he kept saying how much we looked like twins. He kept grabbing our hands and smiling and pushed our heads together to again observe how much like twins we looked like. He just couldn’t leave us alone and sang us a super out of tune Korean folk song before finally leaving on a motorcycle. (Tessa)
- It was always fun to tell the kids that I was a professional athlete in America. Yeah, it wasn’t true, but it was fun to sign autographs and shoot hoops with the kids when we needed a little break from knocking doors. (Derrick)
- Trying to teach an investigator that actually just wanted us to go with him to an Amway convention…. (Leathen)
- I didn’t know the word in Korean for raisins so I asked the store keeper for “dead grapes” and tried to scrunch my face up to look like a raisin! She got it! (Melanie)
- Going to the bath houses were some very enjoyable experiences. (Nick)
- Meeting the Leprechaun. He drastically changed the last 7 months of our mission. He was a worker at a factory we were trying to find to offer up the usual English classes. We couldn’t find the place, and he was just around a bend…he had spent years in Ireland, spoke English with an Irish accent, and was about 4’8″ tall, short for even a Korean in those days. He asked in a great Irish brogue, “What kin Ah do fer ya, me laddies?” and guided us to his company…where we would have the most scary/crazy experience. See below. (Steven)
What was a crazy experience?
- I once broke the card reader off the dashboard on a taxi accidentally after he refused to open the the trunk because he thought my bag was too small for the trunk. Turns out it was too big and it knocked the thing off. I thought he was going to kill me. It was so scary. (Candice)
- Getting followed by crazy drunk men at night…. (Abigail)
- Riding a taxi was always questionably dangerous. (Tessa)
- Monsoon season in JinHae. We lived right by the coast and the water came up and closed several roads. Despite roads being closed, buses always have the right of way and we were traveling through 2 or 3 feet of water on the road when several power transformers blew up and the city lost power. It was in the middle of a storm and we ultimately had to tread through the water in the dark to make our way home. Monsoon season brings a lot of great stories. (Derrick)
- Teaching a mafia member. (Leathen)
- Food poisoning from the street vendor selling hotteok. I was in Cheju city, ate the hotteok as I got on the bus for Sogipo. An hour later I was heaving up my toes and couldn’t stop. Couldn’t get back on the bus. Had to stay in a Yogwan overnight and most of the next day. NEVER eat from the street vendors, no matter how cold you are! (Melanie)
- Riding the crowded buses and experiencing round-abouts was exciting. (Nick)
- The Leprechaun introduced us to the HR chief, who loved our offer of teaching English for free, but since he wasn’t the final say, he introduced us to the general manager, a Shamanist, who turned to us, and began yelling, You guys are Christians…You guys are Mormons! Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith are devils! We looked into his eyes in surprise at his outburst, and as we did, we could only see a gray mist seemingly bottomless, where his eyeballs should have been. We jumped up, and ran out, and vowed never to teach another English class, except at the church. See below for ending. (Steven)
What was a spiritual experience?
- The first time I shared a spiritual message. My first day in the field was also my first day in the country. The family who’s house we visited was so kind and happy. And I felt the spirit so strongly. It was a tender mercy that helped me get off on a good foot. (Candice)
- Helping a very Buddhist woman come to know who Jesus Christ is, and admit His existence, see His light, and feel His love. (Abigail)
- There was a long time investigator who didn’t want to pray because she was studying Buddhism, but one day she just suddenly said that she wanted to pray because she felt like it. We were so excited! (Tessa)
- Every day testifying. Feeling the spirit prompt specific answers during a lesson with a less active sister. (Margaret)
- Learning the language. Korean is crazy complicated, there’s no way young kids should be able to communicate so well in so short a time. Lots of prayers and lots of miracles. (Derrick)
- Learning Korean became a spiritual experience. Praying for my companions. Feeling God’s love for the people I was serving. (Leathen)
- The most spiritual experience I had was because I had to come home early. I had a lump growing on my face they thought was cancer. The doctor told me to go back to America and have a plastic surgeon take it out and find out if it was a beguine or malignant tumor. I didn’t want to go home. I’d been in Korea for only 7 months. I thought, “I’ll get a blessing and it will go away.” I asked the doctor, “what if it just goes away?” He said, “It’s been growing bigger for six weeks, what makes you think it will go away?” Well, 48 hours later I was on a plane headed for LA. And on that plane ride the lump got smaller and smaller and smaller until it was only the size of a zit. That is when God told me that he had another place for me to serve and this was the way he was getting me there. I knew from that that our Father in Heaven is intimately involved in our lives. The dermatologist at home said the lump was just a cyst. Four weeks later I was serving in New York City with the Korean branch! (Melanie)
- Was great bearing your testimony and feeling that they felt and understood your heart. (Nick)
- After meeting a Leprechaun, and his Shaman boss, we decided that we would get permission to focus on finding old members. Our area, Tong Nae, had 280 members on the books, but only 15-20 were attending. All of our Zone (6 Elders) lived in the same area, and went to the same branch. My companion and I decided that we would start with visiting the Melchizedek Priesthood holders and then the Aaronic Priesthood holders. We ran into the former Branch President, who had joined another church. When we told the Zone leader, he went ballistic, and hem my companion and I visited he and his wife…who were very kind to us. This misguided (sorry Elder!) Zone Leader, entered this couple’s home with HIS SHOES ON! (A big no-no) The wife brought out a small table/tray loaded with fresh fruit. At this time, in Korea, the average family’s household income was about $700 PER YEAR, and they must have sacrificed at least 3 months worth of income to offer that fruit. The ZL, looked at the fruit, and pounded his fist onto the table, sending the fruit flying everywhere. He yelled out one word, “REPENT” and walked away, leaving us there, as he went home alone. The nest day was P-day, and the ZL demanded that we make the house spotless. He himself climbed up on the roof (flat) to sweep. When he came down, he swung onto our boiler room, grabbed onto the chimney, which broke off, and infected his leg. The Branch president (the current one at the time) was an acupuncturist, and tried removing the terrible infection, but it seemed in vain. The ZL was shipped home 5 month early. The new ZL liked what I and my companion had begun, and we all pitched in…essentially reviving the Home Teaching Program. Our branch grew from the 15 to 30, to 45 then to 90. It was becoming standing room only for our small branch. We removed the folding chairs, moved back the podium, and only set up chairs fro the elderly and mothers with children. President Rhee Ho Nam, called SLC, and eventually we were able to purchase and old black, slate covered Presbyterian church with a pre-school in the basement.. three weeks before I returned home, and 6 months after meeting the Leprechaun, we moved into that building with over 280 members. Eventually the cross was taken down, the slate removed and covered with more traditional bricks. I believe it is now the Oncheon Ward, and rumor has it that the building once functioned as a Stake Center, although that has not been verified. (Steven)
What are some interesting facts about the Busan Mission?
- Going to a bathhouse, it’s a rejuvenating and healing experience. You have to be completely naked, but it’s a same gender floors (females with females, males with males) it’s a once in a life time thing. It’s great. You should try it. (Candice)
- It is the best mission in the world! You eat lots of seafood there. (Abigail)
- Busan mission has a lot of different dialects, which are fun to learn. Also, I think Busan had some of the first Korean members. And also, the Busan mission includes Jeju Island, which is an amazing area to serve in. (Tessa)
- Some of the largest cities in the world, and poorest countrysides. In the Busan mission, there are different dialects than standard Korean, it gets tricky, but it’s fun. (Derrick)
- We published a number of books to help with study. (Leathen)
- I spent five of my seven months on Cheju Do. (Melanie)
- Korean people are very real with their feelings and emotions. (Nick)
What was the weather like?
- It’s much like Utah, Idaho or Minnesota. It’s cold, not as snowy of course, but still bone chilling cold! So pack for cold and rain! (Candice)
- Really humid and rainy. (Chris)
- 4 seasons! The humidity is nice, not too bad but it makes your skin soft! Gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. (Abigail)
- It is humid and has all 4 seasons, though it doesn’t snow much. (Tessa)
- COLD in winter I had to write home for a better winter coat because though the temperatures don’t look too cold, the wind off the ocean would cut through me. HOT in summer I remember one day when we arrived at the church to prepare for an English class, a great Elder from Korea and his companion came in just after and stood directly under the cool air from the rooms ac unit. He turned to us and with sincere emotion, said, “I apologize for my country. I never realized how hot it was because I never spent this much time walking the streets in summer before. I apologize for my country.” It was so sincere and so funny. (Margaret)
- 4 distinct seasons, but very little snow in the winter. Springtime is beautiful… everywhere. Monsoon season is nuts. For the most part, it’s good weather, but the humidity is pretty high. (Derrick)
- 4 seasons much like northern Utah but more humid. (Leathen)
- The weather in the winter was so cold, I thought my eyeballs would freeze. We taught discussions in our hats, coats, and gloves at the “church.” I said to myself, I can’t imagine it ever being warm here. Then summer came! Hot and humid! (Melanie)
- The weather was very mild and enjoyable. (Nick)
- Hot and humid in the summer, bitter…biting cold in the winter. Absolutely beautiful and moderate spring and fall. I loved the smell of everything in the air…from foods, to air pollution. Strange, but it was an “at home” smell. Maybe it was because I lived in a dump before I went on my mission? LOL. (Steven)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- How giving and kind people are. (Candice)
- I love the culture. And the people. It is such an honest, respectful culture! So kind and generous! So hardworking! (Abigail)
- I love the culture, Korea is so different, but they are so kind and loving, and are willing to share so much with you. Especially food. (Tessa)
- Everything. I loved the people, the grandmas hanging out in the parks, the food, the motorcycles going down sidewalks, their examples of hard work and sacrifice, the bowing when you greet others, the language, the expressions, and I even love the stairs though I don’t miss climbing up and down those every day. (Margaret)
- The Culture. A lot of things are backwards from the USA. It’s not uncommon for men to hold hands or run each others’ legs on the subway or at church. Respect for people older than you and a love for those your age is unique, and wonderful. Jeong…. look it up. (Derrick)
- Very humble and hard working. (Leathen)
- I loved every moment of my time in Korea. The people were kind and funny. (Melanie)
- I really liked the people and their kindness and love they showed. (Nick)
- The people were absolutely kind to us. I never had a bad day with anyone…except the Shamanist. (Steven)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Good rain coat. Good dress coat. Good winter coat. Good gloves. Good hat and scarf. Durable shoes. Bring lots of toothpaste and Deodorant because they aren’t like the US ones you might be used to. (Candice)
- Pack light! You can buy lots of cute, cheap clothes in Korea!! (Abigail)
- A lot of loose, flowy skirts are good to wear. Anything really comfortable is the best, if it is uncomfortable you won’t wear it. But I don’t think you need to come to Korea with many clothes, because you can buy a lot of really cheap, cute, modest clothes. Also, you do a ton of walking, so comfortable, durable shoes are a must. (Tessa)
- Warm coat and warm leggings/stockings for sisters. Handkerchiefs to wipe sweat in summer. A good carry luggage to take between transfers. (Margaret)
- Heavy nice rain coat. Don’t worry about an umbrella though. You’ll burn through enough that you can buy there. I wouldn’t worry about snow gear… at all. I bought boots and heavy gloves and never used them. It does get cold though, so a nice coat for winter is nice. (Derrick)
- Good shoes that will last or that your parents can ship more of if needed. Warm winter clothes to include gloves. (Leathen)
- Sisters, take some great thermal underwear and thick stockings for the winters! (Melanie)
- Only take what you need. (Nick)
- Clothes that “breath” for the summer, and wool blends for the winter. (Steven)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- So many. Every time I think about it, I can think of more. It’s like the gift, the blessing that keeps on giving. It’s never going to end, it will bless you in different aspects and stages in your life. (Candice)
- I grew closer to my Savior as I strive to help others come unto Him. My testimony was strengthened, my faith grew. I saw miracles every day. I came to know my Father in Heaven and understand just a little bit more how deep His love is for His children. (Abigail)
- Soooo many, I don’t even know where to start. I’ve learned so much as a person and my testimony has grown so much. (Tessa)
- Love. Faith. Knowledge. My future husband. Listening to the Spirit. Loving and lasting friendships from companions. (Margaret)
- A love for people, all kinds of people. I learned how God speaks to me in a way I couldn’t have learned if I didn’t go. (Derrick)
- Strengthened testimony. Experiences that helped me grow and prepare to be a father and husband. (Leathen)
- I was blessed with life-long friends (from companions to converts) and a rock solid testimony. (Melanie)
- I think I was able to perceive people by what they were feeling from our conversations. (Nick)
- A strong testimony of the power of home teaching, a knowledge of the truthfulness of the Gospel. (Steven)
What are some skills you gained?
- Patience and living with roommates! (Candice)
- Communication skills! Planning, goal setting, diligence. Teaching, explaining things. Leadership. (Abigail)
- I learned a lot. A few things were discipline, organization, study habits, endurance, and how to eat with chopsticks. (Tessa)
- How to work closely with a companion, set boundaries, communicate, listen to the spirit, focus, proceed through trials, persevere despite discouragement, how to lift and heal others and how to be lifted and healed. (Margaret)
- How to manage time, money, relationships. I learned how to study. Learned how to survive/live on my own. (Derrick)
- Patience. Listening. Humility. (Leathen)
- Learning the language and speaking Korean was really hard on my perfectionistic personality. I had to be much more humble than I had ever been before. I learned that without the spirit with me, I couldn’t speak Korean. (Melanie)
- How to really try to share tangible experiences. (Nick)
- Read and write Korean…My speaking skills are a bit rusty. This propelled me to study Japanese, and lived in Japan for more than 20 years. The adaptation skills, an accepting/loving attitude towards people made it possible to work and live in another culture, and to understand the plights of the underrepresented when returning to the States. (Steven)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- How I don’t need to know everything right away. Things can come in time, not just my time, but the Lord’s mainly. (Candice)
- Trusted God more. Don’t worry about the future. Live in the moment! (Abigail)
- I wish I had been more willing to jump into proselyting. Don’t let the language barrier prevent you from trying. (Tessa)
- Not expect a perfect “product” whatever that may be–baptisms, teachings, etc. But seek for a perfect “process.” Change of heart, character, daily work, loving the members and people and companions. My mission President brought us in the first day and showed a painting of the strolling warriors after their battle–with many wounded. He told us that there were wounded missionaries that we were here to help. What I wish I’d known is that I would become a “wounded warrior.” Every missionary gets “broken” in some way and learns how to be healed by the Savior. As we teach of His mercy and love then we also experience it. Allow yourself to be lifted just as you seek to serve and lift others. And remember that a return missionary requires healing so give yourself that time and patience and mercy. (Margaret)
- Opened my mouth. The language is hard to learn. Especially if you wait to know phrases perfectly before speaking. I would’ve just tried speaking earlier and more. Making mistakes was the fastest way to learn the language for me. Use chopsticks. The greenie diet is enforced when everyone else eats all the food and your still trying to figure out how to hold them. (Derrick)
- Speak as much Korean as possible. You have to speak to get better at speaking. (Leathen)
- We are really nothing without the help of the spirit. (Nick)
- I like the idea that I went there knowing nothing…and being open to anything. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. (Steven)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Busan?
- People are so kind! Enjoy every moment! Take so many pictures but don’t let it disturb your work!!!! Eat everything once. Always share what’s on your mind. It’s all sent to you by the Holy Ghost. Use it to testify of the greatness and the truth of this gospel and of your companion. (Candice)
- Prepare well by studying Preach My Gospel!! Start praying NOW for charity for the Korean people. Start praying now to love them with all of your heart. (Abigail)
- Simply, I advise future missionaries to trust God. No matter what inadequacies you feel you have, you were called to Busan for a reason and He will help you to do anything He needs you to do, even if it is not what you want or expect. (Tessa)
- Have fun and enjoy the process. You can’t control people’s answers–only your willingness to ask the questions. So just ask. (Margaret)
- Go with an open mind. You will see, hear, smell, and experience things that don’t seem normal. As long as it doesn’t violate mission rules/God’s commandments… embrace everything, embrace the culture 100%. You learn to love and respect God’s children when you truly understand them. (Derrick)
- Learn to find strength and assurance from doing the right thing. (Leathen)
- South Korea was a great place to serve my mission! Trust the Lord, keep the rules, be humble. Then watch the Lord perform miracles! (Melanie)
- Try to focus on being able to feel and use the spirit when you try to teach. (Nick)
What was a funny language mistake?
- Once while in the MTC, a sister shared the wrong scripture with a family she was teaching with her companion, as she’s testifying of how God is loving and kind, the scripture was about how God had sent a curse and it has killed many people. Needless to say it was awkward. (Candice)
- I was teaching about the Sabbath Day and I meant to say, “On the 7th day, Jesus rested.” But instead I accidentally said, On the seventh day, Jesus went to the bathroom. And everybody burst into laughter! So funny! (Abigail)
- I mispronounced the word for “sad” and basically said something about “drinking alcohol heavily”. (Tessa)
- Too many to count. Usually dealt with using the proper polite form. (Margaret)
- SunKyosa = Missionary (loosely translated) SungKyosa = Sex Teacher If you sound out the words, it’s hard to tell a difference. Koreans will hear the difference… and every missionary makes this mistake multiple times. It’s funny for everyone every time. (Derrick)
- 기초 복음 반 (kicho bogum ban) basic gospel class 기초 볶음 밥 (kicho boggum bap) basic stir-fried rice Gospel Doctrine, aka Basic Gospel Class, is the one the full-time missionaries attend with non-members and new members. One letter difference between stir fired and gospel. Stir-fried rice is a common dish, but basic stir-fried rice??? It only is funny in a Mormon context, it took a few seconds to realize what we’d heard, but wow, we all laughed because so unexpected. (David)
- See my “dead grapes” response! (Melanie)
- As I was learning to speak. I learned to say I know as much “as a Rats tail.” And the Koreans thought that saying was funny. (Nick)