What faith are Koreans. Religion in Korea

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 here. 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. Party participants 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.

The country of morning freshness has long attracted a rich inner world, an unusual and unique culture. Many solid tourists, before going overseas, are interested in what culture is in South Korea. First of all, this concerns the attitude towards tourists.

The attitude towards visitors in the country is extremely friendly, as in all eastern states, where there is a "guest cult".

In addition, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Koreans is respect for another culture, albeit incomprehensible to themselves. This is why traditional European dining furniture is placed alongside the traditional small tables in Korean cafes and restaurants.

Since Confucianism and Buddhism among religious movements in Korea do not have a numerical superiority, thanks to the antiquity of these religions, they have become something like the life philosophy of the entire people. For example, South Korean culture implies respect for family, elders, employers, authorities, and ancestors. Do not be surprised if, upon meeting, they immediately ask about your marital status or age. This is done in order to immediately determine the "position" of the interlocutor. In addition, the man gets the dominant role everywhere.

A special source of pride for South Korean culture is the ancient phonemic written language Hangul, which has hardly changed since its founding in the Middle Ages. This is a kind of art, and it is quite difficult to translate the Korean language.

Features of gestures

Among the interesting points that tourists need to know is that in Korea it is not customary to beckon a person with a finger, as this is how dogs are called here. Also, you should not call a person with your hand, if the palm is facing up, you need to wave your hand with your palm facing the floor. There is a tradition of shaking hands in Korea, however, this is not accepted for women.

Another interesting fact is that in Korea you cannot leave sticks in rice (local superstition says - this is for funeral), you cannot blow your nose in public places at the table, and you cannot even serve food with one hand.

In addition, in South Korea, expressive gestures during conversation, hugs, kisses, any increase in tone, excessive gestures are not accepted. All this in the country is considered a sign of bad taste. So grab a handbook of gestures, or read the guidebooks carefully.

Religious trends

Religion in South Korea is represented by four main streams - Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism and Shamanism. Moreover, these religious trends are so closely intertwined that, at times, it is quite difficult to understand what faith a simple Korean adheres to. Among Christianity, the bulk of the population is Catholics and Protestants.

Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism have shaped the worldview on the peninsula for centuries, and therefore religion in South Korea, including Christianity, is largely based on these cults.

South Korea is an absolutely non-religious country and religion, as such, has practically no effect on people's relationships. In general, freedom of religion is enshrined in the country, and there are quite a few atheists.

At the same time, all Koreans work together, and staying at work is more likely the norm for them. And no less amicably, they celebrate national celebrations such as the Founding Day of Korea (October 3), Independence Day (March 1), and they celebrate the birth of Buddha throughout May.

South Korea is one of the Asian countries with a predominantly Christian population, while the number of Christians and Buddhists in Korea is almost the same due to the large number of atheists (according to polls, the percentage of which is the largest). Also, the predominance of one of the Christian denominations is not observed in Korea - the percentage of Catholics and Protestants is practically the same. There is no predominance of Protestant teaching in this state. The number of Protestant sects in Korea consists of a large number of denominations. It is believed that this spread of Christianity happened during the Japanese occupation as a manifestation of civil protest. Since Buddhism was encouraged by the Japanese authorities, Protestantism at that time acquired a pronounced national liberation character.
Confucianism has an equally strong influence in Korea. In traditional Confucian ceremonies, large numbers of Koreans gather to perform the ceremony at the Jongmyo Shrine, which always attracts crowds and arouses great interest.

Buddhism in South Korea is very widespread, but it is no longer encouraged by the authorities and is not supported at the official level. This is especially noticeable in comparison with other South Asian countries, where everything is literally saturated with Buddhism. It should be noted that the teachings of the Buddha in South Korea experienced both downs and ups. Some time ago Buddhism was persecuted, therefore it is believed that this is the main reason why this religion is not widespread here at a sufficient level. Also, the non-proliferation of Buddhism was influenced by the fact that this religion was supported by the Japanese invaders.

However, compared to the modest and nondescript places of worship of most Korean Christian denominations, Buddhist shrines and temples are very ornate and vibrant. They cannot be missed by residential buildings and office buildings. Such beautiful are the Seokguram and Bulguksa temples in Gyeongju, the Pomosa temple in Busan, the Ponneensa and Chogyosa monasteries. You can only understand that you have a cult Christian building in front of you by the cross on the roof or by the inscription, as it differs little from typical Korean buildings. This does not include only Catholic churches, which are not as austere as Protestant churches. The most striking landmark of this denomination in Korea is the Catholic Cathedral in Myeongdong.

Also, a small number of Muslims and representatives of other religions, including Orthodox, live in Korea. There are representatives of the faith in Tangun in Korea, the progenitor of all Koreans.

June 1, 2016 Julia

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. Among 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 ..

Religion in South Korea

Only slightly more than half of South Koreans identify themselves as adherents of any religion. The main religions in South Korea are Buddhism (25%), Christianity (25%), Confucianism (2%) and shamanism. These data should be interpreted carefully, as many practicing Buddhism and many practicing Confucianism overlap. In South Korea, the so-called "new religions" such as Cheongdogyo are very strong. There is also a small Muslim minority.

Religion in North Korea

Traditionally, Koreans have practiced Buddhism and Confucianism. Now in the DPRK there is no religious education. The country has a small number of Buddhists (about 10,000 controlled by the state-owned Korean Buddhist Federation), a number of Christians (about 10,000 Protestants and 4,000 Catholics controlled by the state-owned Korean Christian Federation), and a small number of followers of Cheongdogyo (Heavenly Path).

Shamanism

Belief in a world inhabited by spirits is the oldest religious tradition in Korea. According to the beliefs of Koreans, there is a huge pantheon of gods, spirits and ghosts, which range from "kings of the gods" who rule over the sky to mountain spirits (Korean sanshin). This pantheon also includes spirits that live in trees, in caves, in the ground, in human dwellings, and elsewhere. These spirits are believed to have the power to influence people's lives.

Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism

main articles: Buddhism in Korea and Confucianism in Korea

Protestant missionaries arrived in Korea in the 1880s and, along with Catholic priests, were able to convert significant numbers of Koreans to Christianity. The Methodist and Presbyterian missions were particularly successful. They managed to found churches, schools and universities, orphanages in Korea. They played an important role in the modernization of the country.

A large number of Christians lived in the north of the country, where the influence of Confucianism was not so strong. Until 1948, Pyongyang was the largest center of Christianity in Korea. About one-sixth of Pyongyang's total population, or 300,000, was baptized. After the establishment of the communist regime in the north, most of the Christians were forced to leave for South Korea.

Orthodoxy came to Korea from Russia at the end of the 19th century and today numbers about 3,000 Orthodox Christians.

New religions

Cheongdogyo, considered the first of Korea's "new religions", is one of the most popular religions in the country. The ideology of Chongdogyo is a mixture of elements from Confucianism, Buddhism, Shamanism, Taoism and Christianity. Cheongdogyo originated during the Donghak Movement, led by Choi Che Woo, a man belonging to the Yangban class. Choi was executed on charges of heresy in 1863, but his teachings became very popular among the people and still finds a lot of supporters.

In addition to Chongdogyo, other major new religions are Taejongyo, whose ideology is based on the veneration of the legendary founder of Gojoson (the first Korean state) and the entire Korean nation of Tangun, Chungsangyo, which appeared at the beginning of the 12th century and emphasizes magical rituals for building a paradise on earth and Wonbulgyo ( Won Buddhism), combining traditional Buddhist doctrines with modern elements. There are also many small sects spread around Mount Gyeongsan in Chungcheongnam-do province, where a new dynasty of Korean rulers is supposed to emerge.

Several new currents of Christianity have sprung up in Korea. Cheondogwan, or Evangelical Church, was founded by Pak Tae Sung. He was originally a Presbyterian, but in the 50s he was excommunicated for heresy (after the announcement that he had some kind of special mystical spiritual power). By 1972, he had 700,000 companions.

What faith are Koreans. Religion in Korea

Christianity

Orthodoxy

Catholicism

Protestantism

Buddhism

Branches of Buddhism

Shamanism

Confucianism

Neighborhood of different beliefs

Features of gestures

Religious trends

The number of believers

Overview of the main religious denominations

Religion in South Korea

Religion in North Korea

Shamanism

Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism

New religions

see also

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