Unlike many cultures where one religion is placed above any other , Korea has a fascinating and wide mix of beliefs that have shaped its culture and people over the centuries.
The spiritual world of Koreans was a blend of ancient Shamanism , Buddhism , Daoism and the principles of Confucianism . More recently, Christianity has grown significantly , adding another vibrant layer to the country’s religious group .
This spiritual landscape has also been shaped by modern life . Over the past decades there were many dramatic changes to Korea , witnessed by its citizens and the world . The Japanese Colonial Rule ( 1910-1945 ) ,Korean War ( 1950-1953) & the country’s breathtaking urbanization left many Koreans searching for the new pursuit of solace in religious communities. As a result there is a huge expansion in religious believers .
~ Around 51% of South Koreans say they have no religion .
~ 31% identify as Christian.
( 20% Protestants , 11% Catholic )
~ 15- 17% follow Buddhism .
- During the Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-1945) Koreans religious activities were restricted or minimized . The government tried to suppress local customs and new religions – such as Christianity – began to take a new role in Korean society , and churches became the only safe space to preserve Korean identity.
- The Korean War ( 1950-1953) brought innumerable hardship to Korean people. It destroyed homes , tore apart families and shook the core of Korean people . With this much amount of suffering and chaos , many Koreans started to look forward to their traditional beliefs , to seek comfort in new faiths that ease their pain in these difficult times .
SHAMANISM
Shamanism , also known as Musok (무속) in Korean , is a native spiritual tradition that has existed in Korea for thousands of years even before Buddhism and Confucianism arrived . The ritual specialists called Mudang ( 무당) , usually a woman , who act as a bridge between humans and spirit world . Shamans perform rituals that include dancing , singing and offering food and water to spirits . Despite all the challenges that discourage it , Shamanism still survives and is reviving well in modern times . These rituals bring good luck , solve problems and help people find comfort during hard times .
Even today , Shamanism is still practiced in some parts of Korea . Many Koreans still visit shamans to find answers when facing big challenges , family or personal issues . It is deeply rooted in Korean culture and continues to bring people hope and connection to their customs.
INTRODUCTION OF BUDDHISM
Buddhism , was introduced to Korea from China around 4th century AD , during the
Koguryo Kingdom period by a monk named Sundo from Qian Qin Dynasty. At that time Korea was divided into three kingdoms.
- Goguryeo
- Baekje
- Silla
Monks brought Buddhist ideology, statues , and books into these kingdoms and the Religion quickly spread by both Chinese and Indian monks who visited Korea .
~ Goguryeo – Buddhism was introduced in 372 CE . The monk Sundo brought Buddhist texts and images from China , surprisingly the royal court quickly adopted this new belief ,as it was resonating with the Shamanistic faith .
~ Baekje – was introduced in 384 CE . One of the Indian monk named Marananta brought Buddhism to the court . And the king itself motive people to follow the belief for good fortune .
~ Silla – Buddhism was introduced in 527 CE . In comparison to other kingdoms , Buddhism initially was not embraced and promoted that well in the Silla kingdom. The introduction of Buddhism into Korea was a peaceful process that received major help from Korean kings . As a result Buddhist temples and monasteries were built on sacred mountain sites .
RISE OF CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism rose to power in Korea because the old system was failing and it kind of offered solutions to the problems that occurred in the old Dynasty . As the Buddhists scholars had become corrupt and the kingdom was falling apart not knowing which belief and faith to follow to diffuse the social disorders . There was an urgent need for a new faith with a different approach, that’s when Neo – confucians stepped in ..
It became popular as a way for people and leaders to stay together respectfully in a society full of morals and modesty . This faith became popular in the Joseon Dynasty, shaping everything in a society. It became highly popular among educated people , after Buddhism failed to give that stability in societal disorders.
It quickly became one of the most followed and important philosophies , that showed people how to live among each other in a good way , promoted loyalty and respect for family , and overall being able to sort out social disorders . The influence of Confucianism is still there in Korea as we see Korean culture values family ties , respect to elders etc
ARRIVAL OF CHRISTIANITY
Christianity first came to Korea by ordinary people before any setup of churches or missionaries. People who travelled to China between ( 1600-1700s) came across Christian ideology through books and met so many catholic converts .
The first Korean Christian community was set up by none other than local people . In 1784 , Yi Seung Hun , a Korean, started the very first group of Korean Christian believers . At first , it faced many challenges by the authorities as it is like a threat to confucian traditions. In 1800 missionaries arrived , set up hospitals and schools , and translated the Bible into Korean making it available for everyone, regardless of class . These missionaries working alongside Koreans built many churches . Slowly it became a part of Korean life and till now we can witness many Korean Christians around us
MODERN RELIGIONS OF KOREA
- The majority of the population doesn’t follow any specific religions .More than half the population is non religious.
- Christianity is the largest religion in Korea that is divided into two – Protestants and Catholicism . Protestant Christians are about 20% and Catholics are 11% South Koreans.
- Buddhism is the second largest religion and is still practiced in Korea .In the past Buddhism was more dominant among all the faiths , but is now less common . Around 16-17% follow it .
- A minority of the population follow other religious beliefs. These include islam , Buddhism, Confucianism and other local faiths .
- Also , Shamanism is still common and practiced among South Koreans .
ARTICLE BY – PRIYANSHI PANWAR
