Many people who are moving to Long Beach for the first time often ask, "Is there a Korean church here?" Initially, I thought there wouldn't be many churches in a city without a Korean town. However, upon searching, I found that there are quite a few Korean churches that have been serving the community for a long time.

Among them, the first place I want to introduce is the Long Beach Korean United Methodist Church. This church has been with the Korean community in the area for a long time, so those living in Long Beach have likely heard its name at least once.

This church is a Korean church that belongs to the United Methodist Church (UMC). It offers services in both Korean and English, providing a good environment for parents and children to continue their faith together. As people live in the U.S. for a long time, children often become more comfortable with English while parents prefer Korean. In this regard, the ability for generations to worship together is a significant advantage.

There are also Sunday school, youth groups, and young adult ministries, making it a popular choice for families raising children. It's not just about attending worship; small group meetings, Bible studies, and fellowship gatherings are consistently held, allowing people to meet naturally.

In fact, in the immigrant life in the U.S., a church is not just a place for worship. It serves as a source of information about life, recommendations for good hospitals, accountants, and real estate, and many newcomers receive help settling in. Therefore, it also holds significant meaning as a "space for meeting people" beyond religion.

The Long Beach Korean United Methodist Church is also actively involved in serving the community. It engages in various activities such as support for the homeless, senior programs, and assistance for immigrant settlement, naturally connecting with the local community.

You can check the church's location, worship times, and how to register as a new member on the official website. They provide guidance to ensure that first-time visitors can attend worship without feeling burdened.

When living in the U.S., it's common to start in a place where you don't know anyone. In such cases, the church can become a community of faith for those who believe, as well as a gateway to meet new people and gather local information.

If you have recently settled in Long Beach, it might be worth visiting at least once. What I've felt while living in the U.S. is that ultimately, you need to meet people to truly see the neighborhood. In that sense, Korean churches continue to be a supportive neighbor for many immigrants today.