Since October 7, Jewish communities worldwide have faced grief, fear, and a sharp rise in antisemitism. But in South Korea, a country geographically distant yet emotionally connected to Israel, many see a different reality: one of friendship, respect, and even love for the Jewish people.
While anti-Israel voices exist, they remain a small minority. For many Koreans—particularly among the nation’s vibrant Christian community—Israel represents resilience, shared history, and faith. This dynamic offers a rare ray of light at a time when Jewish communities across the globe are experiencing hostility and isolation.
In Korea, support for Israel shines amid global surge in antisemitism
(Video: Eli Mandelbaum)
'A very strong basic support for Israel'
Israel’s Ambassador to Korea, Rafi Harpaz, emphasized the country’s unique position: “Generally, the Korean public is supportive of Israel. Around 30% of Koreans are Christians, and they follow the developments in the Middle East closely. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, there has been strong attention here. We do have a very small but vocal anti-Israeli group—some of them clearly antisemitic. But overall, there is a very strong basic support for Israel among the Korean public.”
Harpaz pointed out that solidarity with Israel has been visible: “Throughout the year, there were pro-Israeli demonstrations here. The last few months, domestic political crises have shifted the focus inward, but the friendship with Israel remains.”
The ambassador himself recently experienced an antisemitic incident, underscoring that even in Korea the global wave has reached. “There is a small group of anti-Semites who call for boycotts of everything connected to Israel—sports, culture, economy, society. That is exactly antisemitism. Criticism is legitimate, but this goes far beyond. Still, we are not afraid. Israel is strong and moving forward.”
Shared histories, shared values
Despite these challenges, Harpaz insists the majority of Koreans feel a deep affinity for Israel: “The majority love Israel. Both our countries became independent in 1948, both were once very poor without natural resources, and both built strong economies under constant regional threats. We are both allies of the United States, and Koreans admire Jewish resilience, innovation, and history. Even in schools, they study the Talmud and the Bible, which creates a unique bond.”
Though Korea’s Jewish community remains small, with a Chabad house as its central hub, the ties between the two nations are carried by friendship and shared values.
Building a Holocaust museum in Korea
One of the clearest signs of Korean support is the creation of the country’s first Holocaust Memorial Museum in Paju City, north of Seoul. Professor Song Mansuk, CEO of the KIBI group and one of the driving forces behind the project, explained the motivation:
“Since the war between Israel and Hamas, antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment have been rising—even here in Korea. We decided to build a Holocaust museum to teach Korean people, especially Christians, about Jewish history and suffering. The Bible teaches that the Jewish people are God’s chosen people, and we should love and support them. Through this museum, we want Koreans to understand Israel without prejudice and to stand against antisemitism.”
The museum, located in Haeiri, known as Korea’s “Village of Artists,” draws visitors year-round. Mansuk believes it will become a center for education and solidarity: “It’s a place to show how Jewish people influenced the world in so many ways, and to inspire Koreans to support Israel in friendship and love.”
A ray of light
At a time when Jewish communities in Europe and America face hostility and fear, Korea presents a striking contrast. The combination of cultural respect, biblical ties, and historical awareness has created an environment where Jews and Israelis can feel welcome.
As Ambassador Harpaz concluded, “The majority of Koreans love Israel. That friendship is real, and it gives us hope in a difficult time.”