The country of morning freshness has changed its religious views more than once: Confucianism, Buddhism and, finally, Christianity. The latter came to Korea in the 18th century and is still successfully developing, exerting a beneficial influence on the political system, state structure and the way of life of the inhabitants.
Catholic Christianity occupies a strong position among the population of South Korea, but is inferior to the Protestant Church in terms of the number of adherents. This is due to the fact that Protestantism, which came to Korea 100 years later than Catholicism, built a very clear social line of attracting the population: the spread of the Bible in Korean, teaching the illiterate population to read and the creation of medical institutions allowed the missionaries to interest the masses. Orthodoxy, brought to Korea by Bishop Paul at the end of the 19th century, spread to the border regions of the Far East.
Forced resettlement and the "Iron Curtain" of the Soviet Union undoubtedly influenced the spiritual development of the Korean people.
The line between permitted and sectarian religious organizations on the territory of Kazakhstan is rather illusive: the “state” religion of the country is Islam (according to official data, about 70% of the population are adherents of this faith). In fact, with the exception of sharply orthodox trends that carry an extremist threat, all religious formations in Kazakhstan are on the rise and peacefully coexist with each other.
Today, in multinational (and therefore multi-religious - more than 60 confessions), Kazakhstan, the Korean Church is represented by several trends: Presbyterianism, Baptism, Orthodoxy and Won-Buddhism.
It is the Presbyterian Church that has the maximum influence on the young generation of Kazakh Koreans. According to 2007 data, more than 20 Presbyterian organizations operate in the republic - most of them arose thanks to the activities of missionaries from South Korea and the United States. The most famous: the "Grace" Church, which has a network of branches throughout the country, the Almaty Regional Presbyterian Church, the First Presbyterian Church, the Korean Presbyterian Mission "Ata", the Presbyterian Mission "SION." country a theological training center of a similar type, which prepares specialists for work in the communities of the cities of Kazakhstan and other CIS countries.The Institute has the status of a higher educational institution, education in it is free - the project is funded by the "Sun Bok Ym" association. presence in Kazakhstan. The activities of Baptist organizations are less visible - their representatives are not engaged in such a stormy secular attraction of followers. The Kazakh Orthodox Church respects its small Korean flock. P richoans.
Since its founding in 1948, the DPRK has chosen the path of socialist development, which denies religion. The country has introduced a policy of chukhche, which means "to be the master of oneself and the whole world." This postulate proves the impossibility of the influence of higher forces on the fate of a person. However, in North Korea there is a personality cult of the Great Leader, Comrade Kim Il Sung, who, even after death, is considered the eternal ruler of the country.
Official religious position
According to Chapter 68, Article 5 of the DPRK Constitution, citizens have the right to freedom of conscience, that is, they themselves determine which motives will prevent them from committing crimes - religious or social. At the same time, atheism has been chosen as the official policy of the state, which has a rather aggressive form. At the same time, the legislation states that a person can independently choose a confession, and religious views should not be a reason for oppression.
In practice, this rule is not always observed - for example, North Korea ranks first in the world in terms of persecution of Christians. The Bible is officially banned, and keeping it is punishable by imprisonment. This tough attitude is explained by the fact that the government views Christianity as a "Western threat" and is trying to shield citizens from it.
Despite the strict state policy, religious traditions are still observed in the country. According to the latest statistics,
the number of representatives of different faiths in the DPRK is distributed as follows:
- atheism - 64%;
- shamanism - 16%;
- neo-Confucianism - 13%;
- Buddhism - 4%;
- Christianity - 1%.
There is also a national religion in North Korea - Cheongdog, which translates as "heavenly path." The basic principles of this movement were formed in the middle of the 19th century. This philosophy is supported by both North and South Koreans.
Traditional religions
Historically, the peninsula was dominated by Confucianism, which, while not being the official religion of the DPRK, leaves an imprint on the structure of life in the country. For example, according to the teachings of Confucius, only an educated person can endure all the hardships of life. The state policy is aimed at the widespread introduction of literacy, the level of which in the DPRK reaches 100%.
Another large denomination in North Korea is Buddhism. According to official figures, there are more than 10,000 representatives in the country united in the Korean Buddhist Federation, of which 2,000 are monks. On the territory of the DPRK, 300 temples have been built, but most are regarded exclusively as architectural monuments.
Cheongdoge combines the fours of Buddhism, Confucianism and Shamanism, as well as traditional Korean mythology.
The basic tenets of religion bring it closer to secular humanism:
- man and God are one, but not equal;
- God as a separate being is not regarded - each person accommodates him in his soul;
- Paradise does not exist - everyone should strive to create it around and within themselves.
Koreans professing Cheongdoge are represented by a separate political organization. They call themselves the "Party of Young Friends of the Heavenly Path" and adhere to the official political line of the state.
Christianity
The North Korean government is wary of this religion, since with the help of Christianity, Western ideas are being introduced into the worldview of people. However, there is a practical explanation for this: the Protestant American organizations providing humanitarian aid to the DPRK often took advantage of the position and imported spy equipment into the country.
At the same time, a close relationship is maintained between the Christian organizations of North and South Korea. Joint services are held regularly, during which prayers are said for the reunification of the country. There are four Christian churches in the DPRK - two Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox.
The cult of personality as a religion
In North Korea, three rulers are considered living gods on earth - Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong-un. They do not have the official status of saints, but in the minds of the people they act as “messengers of heaven”. In the capital, there are hundreds of images and giant statues of the Kim father, son and grandson, who are bowed and honored.
The personality cult in North Korea is often correlated with the Stalinist era, but the country's approach to respecting a leader is different. Under the rule of Japan for half a century, where the emperor was considered a living god, Koreans adopted this as a cultural tradition.
In Korea, the following rules for honoring leaders are followed:
- portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il hang in every home and organization, and they occupy the most honorable places;
- it is prohibited to go outside without a badge with the image of the Great Leader;
- flowers are regularly laid at the monuments of the deceased rulers, gathering in groups and observing the established set of rituals.
Visits to the mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Kim Il Sung is kept, and to the tomb of Kim Jong Il are also considered mandatory. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the expression on the face - it should be mournful. The bodies of rulers are honored according to clearly prescribed rules.
In South Korea, various religions peacefully coexist, but the leading ones are Buddhism and Christianity. The directions were significantly influenced by Confucianism and shamanism (the beliefs of the common people). According to statistics, 46% of Koreans do not adhere to any religion.
Tourists always celebrate the large number of Protestant churches in the country. Christianity is the dominant religion in Korea (29% of the population). Among believers, Protestants (18%) and Catholics (11%) stand out especially. This is an important point, because the prevailing religion in a society always influences its development.
Some South Koreans consider themselves Buddhists - 23%. About 2.5% profess other religions: Won Buddhism, Shamanism, Confucianism, Islam, Chongdogyo Buddhism. The role of new beliefs, which can be categorized by origin, has grown significantly. There are more than 200 young directions, most of which include elements of other religions.
Christianity
The main religion of Korea is Christianity, and this comes as a surprise to many visitors to the country. The Korean capital is called the city of "forty forty churches", but there are more than 1600 of them. In the dark, the crosses are illuminated, so the landscape of sleeping Seoul is impressive. Even in the 18th century, this direction was almost absent, but later the Korean aristocrats turned to Catholic literature, which was brought from China.
At the end of the 19th century, the community already united 10 thousand people. At the same time, Protestantism entered the country - from the United States. It was the Protestants who made the Korean translation of the Bible. Christianity gained strength in the 70-80s. last century, and already in the 90s overtook Buddhism. The rapid development of this religion in Korea is associated with a successful superimposition on traditional shamanism. Today, Christianity includes three main areas.
Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy is the least developed - in 2011 the number of followers of the direction was about 0.005% of the population. Among the Orthodox churches are:
- Korean Spiritual Mission (refers to the Russian Orthodox Church).
- Patriarchate of Constantinople - represented by the Korean Metropolitanate.
The parishioners are mainly represented by Orthodox Christians who came to the country to work. Also included are Russian women who married local men. The services are also attended by Koreans who returned to their historical homeland from Russia and the CIS countries.
Catholicism
Catholics make up a relatively small part of the population - 11%. However, in fact, only 23% of them visit St. Mass every Sunday. Today the country has 16 church districts, approximately 1.6 thousand church parishes and more than 800 pastor centers. The most famous are the cathedrals:
- Conseri (city of Asan).
- Jeondong (Jeonju city).
- Kasandong (Daegu city).
- Mendon Catholic Cathedral in the capital.
Protestantism
Protestantism spread during the late Joseon dynasty, relying on educational institutions and hospitals. There are still many hospitals, schools and institutes that preach Christianity. Religion is developed in South Korea today. It seems that Protestant churches are competing with each other in location and beauty of decoration. Some of them are even located on skyscrapers. The number of Protestants is about 18%.
Buddhism
This religion in Korea has its own peculiarities. Most of the believers united in the Chogyo order, which appeared almost a thousand years ago on the basis of the Chan Buddhist schools. This community publishes publications and also has a university in the capital. In 1994, the current united almost 2 thousand churches, 10 thousand clergy. The Chogyo Order is considered a traditional and official Buddhist community.
It is also the main religion of Korea, especially in the eastern regions of Yongamme and Gangwon-do. Here, adherents of Buddhism make up half of the local believers. There are schools of Buddhism, including the Son school. To spread the faith, communities set up their centers in cities. The programs include the principles of conducting ceremonies, the study of meditation and sutras, and an understanding of the Dharma. Night and day meditations are carried out in the centers, charitable activities are carried out.
Some Koreans do not call themselves Buddhists, but adhere to the corresponding views. Many of those who choose this belief do not always take the precepts of Buddhism seriously and rarely visit temples. However, almost all residents of the country participate in the celebration of Buddha's birthday, which is celebrated in May.
On the eve, a kind of subbotniks are held, which organize temples. The party members create numerous lotus-shaped paper lanterns. Already a month before Buddha's birthday, they are hung everywhere - not only in temples, but also on the streets. A solemn procession and festivities are held at the Jogesa Temple.
Branches of Buddhism
This main religion of Korea was developed in young syncretic movements - Chongdogyo and Won Buddhism. According to chondogyo, through discipline and cultivation, one can attain the divine virtues. Such a person is able to influence the world around him without making any special efforts. Cheongdogyo claims that heaven is on earth and not in another world. The doctrine says that man is God, and therefore all are equal. The belief influenced the modernization of the country.
In South Korea, the Won Buddhism religion arose in the 20th century. Its founder is considered Sodesan, who is revered as a modern Buddha. The Buddhist order has its headquarters in Iksan, many temples (about 400). There are also premises that are used for charity, medical programs, training, and industry.
The main goal of Won Buddhism is to develop spirituality and achieve the common good. Won Buddhism is aimed at helping people to find inner strength (equal to Buddha) and free themselves from external influences. On this journey, they are called to be accompanied by training programs, services, rituals and recommendations.
Shamanism
Wondering what is the oldest religion in Korea? We can confidently talk about shamanism, which does not have a clearly defined beginning in time. Gradually, Buddhism began to influence him. Many rituals are still held in the country. The largest local association of shamans unites 100 thousand people. Almost all who perform shamanic rituals are women. Preserved rituals (kutas), which differ in detail, taking into account the region.
However, Korean shamanism, unlike Buddhism or Christianity, does not have the status of a religion. But if we remember that religion is a combination of three components (priest, ritual, community), then shamanism is a belief. Shamanists believe that shaman women are able to predict the future and calm dead souls. Often they are contacted before entering into a marriage or starting a business.
Confucianism
For a long time, the main role was played by Confucianism, which found a response among the people. The religious trend gave a new impetus to the cult of ancestors. This ideological system is strongly reflected in the minds of local residents. Its echoes can be seen in numerous events, traditions and lifestyle. There are more than 200 khyange in the country - this is the name of the Confucian academies with sanctuaries. Within their walls, they teach traditional values and manners. They are also trying to combine Confucian ideals with the tasks that the modern world puts forward. Confucian teaching lost its role, but the way of thinking remained.
- Koreans are respectful of old age.
- Respect for education and self-improvement.
- Adhere to a social hierarchy.
- Idealize the past.
The Confucian Church does not exist, but there are organizations. Memorable ceremonies and rituals are held to commemorate the ancestors. If we talk about which religion in Korea has the most influenced the way of life, it will be, first of all, Confucianism.
Neighborhood of different beliefs
Korea's complex history and attempts to reconcile different religions have led to the fact that most of the population considers themselves to be atheists. But even opponents as old as Buddhism and Christianity never stoop to open hostile actions. The struggle takes place on the principles of equal rivalry, competition, in an atmosphere of calm, which every inhabitant of the country of "Morning Freshness" cherishes.
Religious beliefs of Koreans in ancient times, as far as can be judged by the archaic myths that have come down to us, consisted in belief in Heaven as the Supreme Deity and the highest being in nature. For example, in the myth of Tangun, the progenitor of the Korean nation, Hwanin and Hwanun appear as characters personifying Heaven and the Heavenly Lord. Religious beliefs based on ritual ceremonies, aiming to influence supernatural forces in order to achieve material results, persisted in subsequent eras. However, already in the period of the Three States (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla), Koreans became acquainted with such religions as Buddhism and Confucianism, and later there was a transformation of religious ideas towards a worldview based on the search for spiritual truth, while maintaining archaic beliefs striving for material benefits. ... Over the centuries - during the era of the Three States, the United Silla and Koryo - and up to the end of the XIV century. Buddhism was popular in society as a religion, and Confucianism - as a political doctrine. But starting from the Joseon Dynasty, Confucian ideology became dominant, and restrictions were imposed on the further development of Buddhism. At the end of the Joseon period, Christianity began to penetrate the country. On the other hand, such autochthonous religions as Chongdogyo (Teaching of the Heavenly Path) and Chinsangyo (Teaching of Chinsan) arose. Religious teachings based on the ideas of social equality were also developed. Currently, the largest denominations in Korea are Christianity and Buddhism. Small religious associations include such distinctive beliefs as tejongyo ("Teachings of the Great Ancestor") and tangungyo ("Teachings of Tangun"). The people are also deeply rooted in the traditions of shamanism.
The number of believers
South Korea As of 2005, during the general population census conducted by the Korean State Statistics Service, 24 million 970 thousand citizens of the Republic of Korea called themselves believers, that is, 53.1% of the total population of the country. 46.5% declared themselves not belonging to any religious denomination
North Korea As for North Korea, there is no freedom of religion. We can say that religious organizations in the full sense do not exist there either. According to official information, the number of believers in the North is only 20-30 thousand people. However, one can make the assumption that there are many secret followers of one religion or another, for example, parishioners of underground churches, in North Korea.
Overview of the main religious denominations
Buddhism The Buddha's teachings penetrated the Korean Peninsula around the 4th century. Imported from China, it represented Mahayana Buddhism, striving for the Salvation of all people, in contrast to Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism, which focuses on Awakening and Liberation from the suffering of an individual. Despite the fact that Buddhism was a borrowed religion, it organically merged into the culture of the Korean people, forming a synthesis with traditional culture and folk beliefs. In the state of Silla in the later period, as well as in the state of United Silla, Buddhism was the state religion. This tradition continued in the Koryo state as well. With his coming to power at the end of the XIV century. In the Joseon Dynasty, neo-Confucianism became the state ideology, and Buddhism was relegated to the background. But even under the new conditions, the Buddhist tradition, deeply rooted in the folk environment, continued its development. Today it is the largest religious denomination in South Korea, whose number of adherents exceeds 40% of the total number of believers. Protestantism The starting point in the history of Protestantism in Korea is considered to be 1884, when the first Protestant preacher from the United States arrived in the country. Mostly American missionaries from a wide variety of Protestant denominations traveled to Korea. At the early stage of the discovery of the country, these people preached in the broadest aspects: they were engaged in medical care, education, the problem of women's rights, charity and other pressing issues. In the period 1910-1945, when Korea was under Japanese colonial oppression, Protestantism strengthened its position in Korean society as a religion that awakens and unites the masses for the national liberation movement. It should be noted, however, that as a result of persecution by the Japanese administration, those churches in which anti-colonial sentiments existed were closed. As a result, by the end of the period of Japanese domination in Korea, only those Protestant parishes remained that were loyal to the authorities. During the period of historical upheavals and hardships, in particular, in the Korean War (1950 - 1953), the charitable activities of Protestant missionaries led to an even greater popularity of this doctrine. Protestantism is now the second most followed religion in the Republic of Korea. Catholicism Catholicism appeared in Korea a century earlier than Protestantism, in the 18th century. Originally Catholic doctrines under the name "sohak", ie. "Teaching from the West", were the subject of exclusively scientific interest and were studied by the so-called. "Southerners" - representatives of the group, which in the course of the factional struggle was pushed aside from power and privileges. Thus, the history of the penetration of Catholicism into Korea has no analogues in history: it was a spontaneous dissemination of teachings, when neophytes studied Catholic ideas on their own, and themselves turned to preachers with a request to come. At an early stage in its history, Catholicism in Korea was persecuted, during which many martyrs died for their faith. This attitude on the part of the authorities was caused by the stubborn adherence to an isolationist course, in which a fascination with foreign religion was seen as a challenge to the state's policy. Currently, the number of Catholics is approximately 20% of the total number of believers, and Catholicism is the third largest religious denomination. Islam The first cases of the adoption of Islam by Koreans were recorded in the colonial era, when a very small part of the Koreans who were deported to Manchuria, in contact with the Muslims living there, converted to their faith. In full measure, the preaching of Islamic teachings among Koreans was carried out during the Korean War (1950 - 1953), when a Turkish military contingent as part of the UN troops was stationed in the country. Already in 1955, the Korean Federation of Muslims was formed, and the first imam was elected. In the 70s. the first mosque was opened in the Hannam-dong district of Seoul, after which mosques began to appear in such large Korean cities as Busan, Daegu, Jeonju, as well as in a number of cities in the capital province of Gyeonggi: Gwangju, Anyang, Ansan, etc. According to 2007 data ., Korea is home to an estimated 140 thousand Muslims. Traditional religions and shamanism Confucianism today attracts attention not as a religious doctrine, but as an ethical and philosophical doctrine. On the other hand, Confucian principles permeate the mentality of any Korean to one degree or another. Of the traditional religions, one should also name Cheongdogyo and Daejongyo - the national religions of Koreans, based on the worship of Tangun as the ancestor and founder of the first Korean state. An important role is also played by such distinctive beliefs based on the ideas of social equality as Won Buddhism and Chinsangyo. Significant place in folk beliefs and cults ..
Korea is one of the few Asian countries with a predominantly Christian population. Although the preponderance of the number of Christians over Buddhists is insignificant and is recorded largely due to the large number of atheists (who, according to official polls, are the most), it still exists. At the same time, there is no clear predominance of any one Christian confession in the country - the number of Korean Catholics and Protestants is comparable. There is no predominant Protestant teaching in Korea either. The number of Protestant movements in Korea is very large and they all have many followers. It is believed that such a rapid spread of Christianity arose during the Japanese occupation as a manifestation of a kind of civil protest. Protestantism at that time had a pronounced national liberation character, while Buddhism was strongly encouraged by the Japanese authorities.
Also in Korea the influence of Confucianism is strong. The holding of traditional Confucian ceremonies at the tomb shrine attracts huge crowds of Koreans and arouses keen interest.
Buddhism in Korea is very developed, but no longer has the support of the state and is not encouraged at the official level. This is especially noticeable in comparison with other countries of Southeast Asia, where all life is literally saturated with Buddhism. The Buddha's teachings have experienced both ups and downs in Korea. At one time Buddhism was even persecuted. It is believed that because of this, it is not as popular in Korea as in its neighboring countries. Also, the attitude towards Buddhism was not improved by the fact that this religious doctrine was supported by the Japanese occupiers.
Unlike the very modest and even nondescript religious buildings of most Korean Christian denominations, Buddhist temples and monasteries are very bright and elegant. They cannot be confused with office buildings or residential buildings. For example, monasteries in Seoul, a temple in Busan, temples in Gyeongju. Whereas the houses of prayer of many Protestant movements are not very different from the typical buildings in Korean cities. The fact that it is a religious building in front of you can be understood only because of the small cross above the entrance or on the roof, or by the corresponding inscription. Of course, all this does not apply to Catholic churches, which traditionally cannot be as ascetic as Protestant churches. For example, one of the striking landmarks, arguably the main center of Seoul, is the majestic Catholic Cathedral in Myeongdong.
Korea is also home to a small number of Muslims, Orthodox Christians and representatives of traditional religions. For example, some Koreans consider themselves to be adherents of the belief in Tangun, the legendary progenitor of Koreans (tangungyo and daejongyo).