In June, the From Youth (Youth Mission Mobilization) team returned after conducting a Korean language camp in the Z region of Indonesia. Located near the coast, the Z region was heavily impacted by a sudden tsunami in 2007. After the tsunami, foreign aid organizations entered the area to assist with recovery efforts, sparking a new wave of cultural exchange. Particularly, interest in Korean culture, known as “K-Culture,” grew significantly among the people of the Z region.

While planning a project for young people to serve local communities overseas with their gifts and talents, the From Youth team prepared a program that was feasible for all Koreans. Given that Korean language classes were already being offered in the Z region, the team launched the K-CAMP, a project focused on using the Korean language.

From June 22 to June 29, the From Youth team, consisting of 9 adults and 4 children, stayed in the Z region. They collaborated with Korean staff from the Sejong Institute (a partnership with Jeju YWAM and Shia Kuala University in Indonesia) to carry out the program. Forty Muslim youth, including those wearing hijabs, registered for the camp, with all activities conducted in Korean over the 3-day period. Although the Korean language was new and unfamiliar to them, it became a meaningful opportunity for the local youth, who were already learning Korean, to interact with Koreans.

The camp included cultural activities such as “Welcome to Korea,” “Squid Game,” “K-POP Star,” and a Korean food competition, using Korean culture as a tool. During the camp, the From Youth team and local youth divided into small groups, making the experience even more impactful and enjoyable.

Through K-CAMP, the team gained two positive insights:

1. If one can speak Korean, any young person can join the mission field.
2. Korean culture is a useful tool in reaching the younger generation in the area, especially those who are already influenced by K-POP.

While there are still restrictions on Koreans entering the Z region to engage in activities, the K-CAMP provided a unique opportunity to engage with the people through Korean language and culture in their everyday lives. It was a meaningful and joyful seven days.

Looking forward to K-CAMP 2026 (scheduled to be between June and August), the team safely returned to Korea.

We sincerely thank everyone who participated, supported, and prayed for this project.

ㅡWoojin Chun, From Youth