![]() |
![]() |
Buddhism 
Buddhism first arrived in Korea in the 2nd year
(A.D. 372) of the reign of King Sosurim of the Goguryeo
Kingdom. After its introduction, Buddhism exerted
a powerful influence in the Baekje Kingdom and Silla
Kingdom. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which
are designated as World Cultural Heritage sites
by UNESCO, are Buddhist creations from the Silla
Kingdom.
Buddhism has exercised a far-reaching influence
on Korean culture throughout its long history. The
nation's invaluable Buddhist heritage abides in
buildings, sculptures, paintings and handicraft. |
|
Protestantism & Catholicism
Protestantism came to Korea after the signing of
the Korean-American Treaty in 1882. Because Christianity
challenged the basic values of Joseon society, its
believers were subject to persecution in the early
years, but as Christians took an increasingly active
role in the anti-colonial struggle against the Japanese
and churches promoted more educational opportunities,
Christianity gained acceptance. Today Korean churches
evangelize abroad, and approximately twenty five
percent of the Korean population is Christian.
Catholicism first came to Korea as a western scholarly
pursuit. Korean tributary missions to the imperial
court of China took an interest in Jesuit missionary
books and brought them back to Korea. In 1784 the
first Korean was baptized in Beijing and returned
to Korea to set up a house of worship. Despite considerable
persecution by the government, numerous people joined
the Catholic Church. Presently, over two million
people belong to the church. |
| |
|
Confucianism
Confucianism became a common philosophy in ancient
Korea. When it came into contact with fundamental
Korean sentiments, Confucianism brought about profound
changes and exerted considerable influence on the
Korean people. It has been an indispensable component
of the Korean moral system, way of life and national
laws.
Confucianism, which was the major philosophy of
the Joseon Dynasty, eventually gave rise to Silhak,
or practical learning. Confucianism has deeply permeated
the consciousness of Korean people and can be seen
today in many forms, including two ceremonies that
continue today: Jongmyo Jerye, the royal ancestral
service at Jongmyo Shrine and Seokjeon Daeje, the
worship rites at the Seonggyungwan in honor of Confucius,
his disciples, and other celebrated Chinese and
Korean Confucian scholars. |
|
Shamanism
Various shamanistic practices are deeply ensconced
in Korean life. Shamanism was similar with folk
beliefs from ancient times. It is closely related
to the primitive cults which practiced communal
rites for the gods of heaven, and which were uninfluenced
by Buddhist tradition. One distinguishing characteristic
of Korean shamanism is that it seeks to solve human
problems through a meeting between humans and the
spirits. This can be seen in the various types of
shamanistic rites which are still widely practiced
even today. |
|
|
![]() |
|
|