What is the religion in Korea?

The Korean peninsula has an interesting history, starting in the distant past. In its composition, the peninsula has two states: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and 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 until 1945, the countries were a single whole, so their traditional religions are similar. Further in the article we will take a closer look at these beliefs.

What is the religion in North Korea?

Socialism rules the DPRK. This is a closed country where there are even death sentences, and all religious organizations are controlled by the state. Therefore, it is not surprising that here the official "religion" is atheism.

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

However, despite the fact that atheism reigns in the country, there are also adherents of religions. It should be noted that earlier Buddhism and Confucianism reigned here, that's why 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 of South Korea?

But in South Korea the situation at the moment is quite 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 the population of the republic (54%) consider themselves to be one or another faith. And the rest (about 46%) are atheists.

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

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: Consari, Mandon Cathedral, Chondon, Casandon.

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

And then in the same century from the United States came to Korea and Protestantism. For the first time Protestants made a translation of the Bible. The current was gaining popularity by the second half of the last century, and in the 90s it became the first religion of Korea after Buddhism.

At the moment, 18% of South Koreans consider themselves Protestants, and 11% - to Catholics.

Buddhism

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

This religion penetrated into Korea in the IV century. Then there was the so-called Choge Order, in which many believers joined. This order in Korea and to this day is a traditional community of Buddhism. Today, there are a lot of operating schools of Buddhism in the country (for example, the "Son" school) and a huge number of temples. Many residents of the country celebrate Buddha's birthday in May every year.

Shamanism and Confucianism

Many religions of Korea do not stop at Christianity and Buddhism. There is still shamanism and Confucianism, whose adherents are few, but these currents play a big role in history:

• The most ancient religion of Korea, undoubtedly, is shamanism. He appeared before Buddhism, and then was exposed to his influence. In the largest association of shamans there are 100 thousand people! It is worth considering that shamanism is not a religion as such. This belief, but nevertheless it strongly influenced Korea.
• Confucianism is also very influential, echoes of which are visible in the culture, way of life and life of Koreans. There are more than 200 Confucian academies. This direction, undoubtedly, has affected people's lives. For example, often funeral ancestors are held on Confucian rituals. In addition, the country is honored and respected by people of more advanced age, see great importance in self-improvement, etc.

Conclusion

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

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

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

Such dissimilarity of 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 an unambiguous answer to the question of what kind of religion in Korea.