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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 to day: 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 were 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. |
Information
provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
