Religions of modern Korea. Religion of South Korea What is the religion in Korea

Korean history is rich in twists and turns. Wars, kingdoms, the Japanese, occupations - a real multitude of eras, events, phenomena. It is worth discussing the religious map of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the Koreans' perception of religion as a social element.

Formally, the country is dominated by three religions: Buddhism, Protestantism and Catholicism. About half the population proudly declare themselves atheists. There is a little Orthodoxy, a little paganism, a drop of Confucianism, and a little Islam.

Buddhism appeared in Korea in the 5th-6th century, coming from China. The “teaching”, new at that time, quickly reached the state level. The Korean branch of Buddhism globally belongs to the so-called Great Vehicle - Mahayana - this is the most widespread hypostasis of Buddhism. In fact, after atheists, it is the second most common religion in Korea.

Since the twentieth century, through the efforts of European missionaries, Christianity “landed” in Korea (as well as in Asia), and quickly and aggressively spread throughout the country on the mainland. It is noteworthy that it was Protestantism that became the most popular in Asia. This Christian branch, having covered independent church institutions in Europe, even though it is one of the state religions in Korea, often behaves in a sectarian manner. Indeed, fear and awkwardness are caused by an elderly, empty-eyed Korean, on whose face there is “water surface” and light, fanatical bliss, on whose neck there is a megaphone - a looped sermon is heard loudly and loudly from the speaker, and the Korean walks, swaying slightly, barely making out the road. When it gets dark in Seoul, burned by red neon light, crosses are lit - not only on churches, on the roofs of simple houses. Actually, where there is a cross, there is a temple.

Once I discussed theological issues with a Korean who studied in Moscow. He was a museum employee, loved Tarkovsky and spoke excellent Russian. He was, by vocation and work, a specialist theorist in the field of Korean shamanism. Shamanism - an ancient, polytheistic (pagan, let's say) religion that had a strong influence on the development of Korean culture - is now in the shadows. There are not so many shamanists, and the impact of shamanism should rather be called indirect. However, this Korean told me one very interesting thing: Ordinary residents of the country, ordinary believers, combine several religions in their minds, each of which has a specific function.

Thus, Buddhism or Christianity solves issues related to the soul in the minds of Koreans, ritual, “folk” shamanism takes care of the body, while Confucianism is responsible for the social structure.

Confucianism in general is not a religion but a philosophical teaching, the basis of which is the hierarchical system of society: the relationship of master and subordinate, father and son, elders and juniors. As mentioned earlier, in the Korean language itself there are several degrees of politeness.

Still, like any Asian country, Korea was able to connect seemingly incompatible elements, subordinate the faith to its needs, and at the same time, globally remain a Buddhist country. Visiting Buddhist monasteries and temples is one of the most interesting activities for travelers who value not only curiosity, but beauty and an almost physically felt spirit.

In South Korea, various religions coexist peacefully, but the leading ones are Buddhism and Christianity. The directions were significantly influenced by Confucianism and shamanism (beliefs of the common people). According to statistics, 46% of Koreans do not adhere to any religion.

Tourists always note 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. 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, Cheondogyo Buddhism. The role of new beliefs, which can be classified by origin, has increased significantly. There are more than 200 young trends, 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 1,600 of them. In the dark, the crosses are illuminated, so the landscape of sleeping Seoul is impressive. Back in the 18th century, this direction was almost absent, but later 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 USA. It was the Protestants who translated the Bible into Korean. Christianity gained strength in the 70s and 80s. last century, and already in the 90s overtook Buddhism. The rapid development of this religion in Korea is associated with a successful overlap with traditional shamanism. Today, Christianity includes three main directions.

Orthodoxy

Orthodoxy is the least developed - in 2011 the number of followers of the movement was about 0.005% of the population. Orthodox churches include:

Korean spiritual mission (belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church).
Patriarchate of Constantinople – represented by the Korean Metropolis.

The parishioners are mainly Orthodox Christians who came to the country to work. This also includes Russian women who married local men. Services are also attended by Koreans who have 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 reality, only 23% of them visit St. Mass every Sunday. Today in the country there are 16 church districts, approximately 1.6 thousand church parishes and more than 800 pastoral centers. The most famous cathedrals are:

Konseri (Asan).
Cheongdong (Chonju).
Kaesandong (Daegu).
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 preaching Christianity. Today in South Korea religion is developed. It seems that Protestant churches compete with each other in terms of 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 Chan Buddhist movements. This community publishes publications and also has a university in the capital. In 1994, the movement united almost 2 thousand churches and 10 thousand clergy. The Jogyo Order is considered a traditional and official Buddhist community.

It is also the main religion of Korea, which is especially developed in the eastern regions of Yeongamma 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 create their own centers in cities. Programs include the principles of ceremonies, the study of meditation and sutras, and understanding of the Dharma. The centers provide night and day meditations and charitable activities.

Some Koreans do not call themselves Buddhists, but hold 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 Buddha's Birthday festival, which is celebrated in May.

On the eve, special cleanup days are held, which are organized by churches. Participants of the holiday create numerous paper lanterns in the shape of a lotus. Already a month before Buddha's birthday, they are hung everywhere - not only in temples, but also on the streets. A solemn procession and folk festival are held at the Chogyesa Temple.

Branches of Buddhism

This main religion of Korea was developed in young syncretic movements - Cheondogyo and Won Buddhism. According to Cheondogyo, through discipline and self-improvement one can achieve divine virtues. Such a person is able to influence the world around him without making much effort. Cheondogyo claims that heaven is on earth and not in another world. The doctrine says that man is God, and therefore everyone is equal. Belief influenced the modernization of the country.

In South Korea, the religion of Won Buddhism arose in the 20th century. Its founder is considered to be Sodesan, who is revered as a modern Buddha. The Buddhist order has its headquarters in Iksan and has many temples (approximately 400). There are also spaces that are used for philanthropy, medical programs, education, and industry.

The main goal of Won Buddhism is the development of spirituality and the achievement of the common good. Won Buddhism aims to help people find inner strength (equal to the Buddha) and free themselves from external influences. On this path they are called to be accompanied by training programs, services, rituals and recommendations.

Shamanism

Are you wondering which religion is the most ancient in Korea? We can confidently talk about shamanism, which does not have a clearly defined beginning in time. Buddhism gradually began to influence him. Many rituals are still performed in the country. The largest local association of shamans unites 100 thousand people. Almost everyone who performs shamanic rituals is women. Rituals (kutas) have been preserved, which differ in details depending on 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. Adherents of shamanism believe that shamans are able to predict the future and calm dead souls. They are often contacted before entering into a marriage or starting a business.

Confucianism

For a long time, Confucianism played the main role, which resonated with 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 are visible in numerous events, traditions and lifestyles. There are more than 200 hyangge in the country - the name given to Confucian academies with shrines. Within their walls, traditional values and manners are taught. They also try to combine Confucian ideals with the challenges that the modern world puts forward. Confucian teachings lost their role, but the way of thinking remained.

Koreans respect old age.
They respect education and self-improvement.
Adhere to social hierarchy.
They idealize the past.

There is no Confucian church, but there are organizations. Commemorative ceremonies and rituals are held to commemorate ancestors. If we talk about which religion in Korea most influenced the way of life, it will be primarily Confucianism.

Neighborhood of different beliefs

The complex history of Korea and attempts to reconcile different religions have led to the fact that a large part of the population considers itself atheist. But even such long-standing opponents as Buddhism and Christianity never stoop to open hostility. The fight takes place on the principles of equal rivalry, competition, in an atmosphere of calm, which every resident of the country of “Morning Freshness” cherishes.

It has an interesting history, starting in the distant past. The peninsula consists of two states: the Republic of Korea. Or in another way - South and North Korea. Since these are two completely different states with different forms of government, the situation with religions here is also very different. But before 1945, the countries were one, so their traditional religions are similar. We will take a closer look at these beliefs later in the article.

What is the religion in North Korea?

Socialism rules in the DPRK. This is a closed country where there are even death penalties, and everything is controlled by the state. It is therefore not surprising that the official “religion” here is atheism.

Politics and religion are intertwined in this state. Here there is a cult of the personality of the hereditary ruler, with whom the principles of atheism are very compatible.

However, despite the fact that atheism reigns in the country, there are also adherents of religions. It is worth noting that Buddhism and Confucianism used to reign here, so there is still a small part of Buddhists in the country, there are also Christians and a fairly large percentage of followers of shamanism, but all their religious activities are strictly controlled.

What is the religion in South Korea?

But in South Korea the situation at the moment is completely different. It is an open country whose culture has recently had a great influence on the whole world. So, what are the main religions in South Korea? More than half of the republic’s population (54%) consider themselves to be of one faith or another. And the rest (approximately 46%) are atheists.

According to statistics, 23% of the population are Buddhists, 29% are Christians, and 1-2% adhere to other religions such as Islam, Confucianism, shamanism and others. There are also quite a lot of very young religious movements here.

Christianity

Christianity is the main religion of Korea. There are more than 1,600 churches here, the beauty of which can amaze anyone! The most famous cathedrals are: Conseri, Mendon Cathedral, Jeongdon, Kaesandong.

In Korea until the 18th century, Christianity was completely absent, until Catholic literature reached here from China. And by the nineteenth century there were already 10,000 Christians here.

And then in the same century Protestantism came to Korea from the USA. For the first time, Protestants translated the Bible. The movement gained popularity in the second half of the last century, and in the 90s it became the first religion in Korea after Buddhism.

Currently, 18% of South Koreans consider themselves Protestants, and 11% are Catholics.

Buddhism

Buddhism is popular in the eastern conservative parts of the country (Yeonamme, Gangwon-do). Even those who do not consider themselves Buddhists very often have Buddhist views on life.

This religion penetrated into Korea in the 4th century. Then there was the so-called Chogye Order, which many believers joined. This order is a traditional Buddhist community in Korea to this day. Nowadays, there are many active schools of Buddhism in the country (for example, the “Son” school) and a huge number of temples. Many people in the country celebrate Buddha's birthday in May every year.

Shamanism and Confucianism

Korea's many religions don't stop at Christianity and Buddhism. There is also shamanism and Confucianism, which have few adherents, but these movements play a big role in history:

Korea itself is undoubtedly shamanistic. It appeared before Buddhism and was then influenced by it. The largest association of shamans consists of 100 thousand people! It is worth considering that shamanism is not a religion as such. This is a belief, but nevertheless it had a strong influence on Korea.
Confucianism also has a great influence, echoes of which are visible in the culture, lifestyle and way of life of the Koreans. There are more than 200 Confucian academies. This direction, undoubtedly, influenced people's lives. For example, ancestor funerals are often carried out according to Confucian rituals. In addition, the country honors and respects older people, they see great importance in self-improvement, etc.

Conclusion

Korea is very diverse. It combines many different religions and beliefs, the history of which dates back to the very distant past. Once upon a time, everything began with shamanism. This is an ancient basis that appeared before other religions and greatly influenced the local people. Many shamanic rituals are still performed.

Then came Buddhism, which is now followed by almost a quarter of South Koreans. About a thousand years after the appearance of Buddhism, Christianity appeared, which has the most adherents. There are a lot of temples and cathedrals in the Republic of Korea.

After the division of the peninsula into two parts, it retained its historically established religions, but atheism was put at the forefront of everything here. But there are still adherents of religions and beliefs.

Such dissimilarity between the two countries, as well as a large number of religions - all this makes this part of the world unforgettable, unique and does not give a clear answer to the question of what religion is in Korea.

The religious ideas of Koreans in ancient times, as far as can be judged from the archaic myths that have come down to us, consisted of 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 rites aimed at influencing supernatural forces in order to achieve material results, persisted in subsequent eras. However, already during the period of the Three States (Koguryo, Baekje, Silla), Koreans became acquainted with such religions as Buddhism and Confucianism, and subsequently there was a transformation of religious ideas towards a worldview based on the search for spiritual truth, while maintaining archaic beliefs seeking to obtain material benefits . Over the centuries - during the era of the Three States, United Silla and Koryo - and until the end of the 14th 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 placed 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 chondogyo (“Teaching of the Heavenly Way”) and chynsangyo (“Teaching of Cheungsan”) arose. Religious teachings based on the ideas of social equality also developed. Currently, the largest faiths in Korea are Christianity and Buddhism. Small religious associations include such distinctive faiths as taejongyo (“Teaching of the Great Ancestor”) and tangungyo (“Teaching of Tangun”). The traditions of shamanism are also deeply rooted among the people.

The Buddha's teachings penetrated the Korean Peninsula around the 4th century. Having been imported from China, it represented Mahayana Buddhism, striving for the Salvation of all people, in contrast to Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism, which focused on Awakening and Liberation from suffering of the 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 Silla state in the late period, as well as in the Unified Silla state, Buddhism was the state religion. This tradition was preserved in the state of Koryo. With his coming to power at the end of the 14th century. During the Joseon Dynasty, Neo-Confucianism became the state ideology, and Buddhism was relegated to the background. But even in the new conditions, the Buddhist tradition, deeply rooted in the people's 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 came to Korea, representing a variety of Protestant denominations. At the early stage of the opening of the country, these people carried out preaching in the widest aspects: they were engaged in medical care, education, the problem of women's rights, charity and other pressing issues. During the period 1910-1945, when Korea was under Japanese colonial oppression, Protestantism strengthened its position in Korean society as a religion that awakened and united the masses for the national liberation movement. It should be noted, however, that due to 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 a period of historical upheaval and hardship, particularly the Korean War (1950–1953), the charitable activities of Protestant missionaries led to even greater popularity of this faith. Now Protestantism is the second most followed religion in the Republic of Korea.

Catholicism

Catholicism appeared in Korea a century before Protestantism, in the 18th century. Initially, Catholic doctrines under the name “sohak”, i.e. “teachings from the West”, were the subject of exclusively scientific interest and were studied by the so-called. “southerners” - representatives of a group that, in the course of factional struggle, was pushed away from power and privileges. Thus, the history of the penetration of Catholicism into Korea has no analogues in history: it was a spontaneous spread of teaching, when neophytes studied Catholic ideas on their own, and themselves turned to preachers with a request to come. At an early stage of its history, Catholicism in Korea was subjected to persecution, during which many martyrs for the faith died. This attitude on the part of the authorities was caused by persistent adherence to an isolationist course, in which a passion for a foreign religion was seen as a challenge to the policies pursued by the state. Currently, the number of Catholics makes up approximately 20% of the total number of believers, and Catholicism ranks third in the list of the largest religious denominations.

The first cases of Koreans accepting Islam were recorded in the colonial era, when some extremely small part of the Koreans who were deported to Manchuria, in contact with the Muslims living there, converted to their faith. The full preaching of Islamic teachings among Koreans was carried out during the Korean War (1950 - 1953), when the Turkish military contingent was stationed in the country as part of UN troops. Already in 1955, the Korean Muslim Federation was formed and the first imam was elected. In the 70s the first mosque opened in the Hannam-dong area 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-do: Gwangju, Anyang, Ansan, etc. According to data for 2007 ., an estimated 140 thousand Muslims live in Korea.

Traditional religions and shamanism

Confucianism today attracts attention not as a religious doctrine, but as an ethical and philosophical teaching. On the other hand, Confucian principles permeate the mentality of any Korean to one degree or another. Among the traditional religions, one should also mention Cheondogyo and Taejongyo - the national religions of the 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 original faiths based on the ideas of social equality as Won Buddhism and Chinsangyo. Significant place in folk beliefs and cults.

Religion in South Korea

Only a little more than half of South Koreans consider themselves to be supporters of any religion. The main religions in South Korea are Buddhism (25%), Christianity (25%), Confucianism (2%) and shamanism. These data must be interpreted with caution, since the plurality of Buddhist practitioners and the plurality of Confucian practitioners overlap. In South Korea, so-called "new religions" such as Cheongdogyo are very strong. There is also a small Muslim minority.

Religion in North Korea

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

Shamanism

Belief in a world inhabited by spirits is the oldest religious tradition in Korea. According to Korean beliefs, there is a huge pantheon of gods, spirits and ghosts, which range from the "god kings" who rule the sky to mountain spirits (Korean sanshin). This pantheon also includes spirits living in trees, caves, the ground, human homes and other places. 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 entered Korea in the 1880s and, along with Catholic priests, managed to convert a significant number of Koreans to Christianity. The Methodist and Presbyterian missions were particularly successful. They managed to found churches, schools and universities, and 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. Approximately one sixth of the total population of Pyongyang, or 300 thousand people, was baptized. After the establishment of the communist regime in the north, most 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

Cheondogyo, considered the first of Korea's "new religions", is one of the most popular religions in the country. The ideology of Cheongdogyo is a mixture of elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, shamanism, Taoism and Christianity. Cheondogyo came into being during the Donghak Movement, led by Choe Je-woo, a man who belonged to the yangban class. Choi was executed on charges of heresy in 1863, but his teachings became very popular among the people and still find many supporters.

Besides Chondogyo, the other major new religions are Taejongyo, whose ideology is based on the veneration of the legendary founder Gojoseon (the first Korean state) and the entire Korean nation Tangun, Chungsangyo, which appeared in the early 12th century and emphasizes magical rites to build heaven on earth, and Wonbulgyo ( Won Buddhism), combining traditional Buddhist doctrines with modern elements. There are also many small sects spread around Mount Geryongsan in the province of Chungcheongnam-do, where, according to legend, a new dynasty of rulers of Korea would arise.

Several new movements of Christianity arose in Korea. Cheondogwan, or Evangelical Church, was founded by Park Tae-sung. He was originally a Presbyterian, but was excommunicated for heresy in the 50s (after claiming to have some special mystical spiritual power). By 1972, he had 700 thousand associates.