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.
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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.
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More info on Catholicism
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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. |
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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.
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