Olivarria 1 Diana Olivarria Professor Godfrey GCU 114 29 October, 2013 Religion in South Korea Religion is a very important

factor in South Korea because unlike many cultures where only one religion is prevailing, South Korean culture includes a wide range of religion that have shaped the peoples way of thinking and behavior (Chunghee). Also at the beginning stages of Korean history, religion and political functions were combined but were later on divided (Chunghee). Some of the existing religions in South Korea include Shamanism, Confucianism, and Buddhism to Christianity, Islam, and other religions (Chunghee and Kim). Local folk beliefs and shamanism have developed together by sharing a fundamental belief in the existence of numerous gods (such as the mountain gods, the house gods, and the fire gods) and spirits of the dead, all of which are believed to influence people's fortunes (Kim). Shamanism is also the oldest form of Korean religious life, dating back to prehistoric times(South Korea SOCIETY). Korean shamans are similar in to those found in Siberia, Mongolia, and Manchuria. They also similar to the yuta which are found on the Ryukyu Islands, in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, the Korean Cheju Island is also known as a center of shamanism. Shamans, most of the time are women, who enlist because they want help from the spirit world. Female shamans hold rituals, in order to gain good fortune for clients, cure illnesses by exorcising evil spirits, or soothe local or village gods. Such services are also held to guide spirit of the deceased to heaven. Often times a woman will become a shaman very half-heartedly

Olivarria 2 because at times they will experience severe physical or mental illness which indicates that they are being possessed by a spirit (South Korea SOCIETY). Korean Buddhism has both doctrinal and meditative traditions, Buddhism spread to Korea from China during the Three Kingdoms period which was between the fourth and seventh centuries A.D. (South Korea SOCIETY). Buddhists believe that human suffering is caused mainly by desire (Chunghee). Thus, some Buddhists try to achieve enlightenment by nurturing a detachment-like attitude, while others seek to fulfill their desires by offering prayers of requests to Kwanum, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Confucianism on the other hand is a political and social philosophy that stresses the virtues of "human- heartedness," and family devotion, which is expressed through ceremonies such as ancestor rites (Kim). Confucianism was brought to Korea from China in early centuries, but it was in a subordinate position until the establishment of the Choson Dynasty and the persecution of Buddhism was carried out by the early Choson Dynasty kings (South Korea SOCIETY). The Confucian concept of heaven is an impersonal yet willful force in nature and society, and is beyond human control. As for Christianity whose belief is based on the acceptance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also, Christians believe they can be reunited with God and be given salvation by accepting that Jesus Christ is their lord and savior. Christians also believe that Jesus died for their sins, was crucified and buried in a tomb only to rise again. The resurrection demonstrates to believers that God has the power to grant eternal life (Beliefs In Christianity). In South Korea, Roman Catholic missionaries did not arrive in Korea until 1794, which was a decade after the return of the first baptized Korean from a visit to Beijing. However, the writings of the Jesuit missionary, Matteo Ricci, who was resident at the imperial court in Beijing, were brought to Korea from China in the seventeenth century (South Korea SOCIETY). It appears that

Olivarria 3 scholars from the Sirhak which was school, were interested in these writings. Mostly because converts refused to perform Confucian ancestor rites and the government prohibited the proselytization of Christianity. Some Catholics were executed during the early nineteenth century, but the anti-Christian law was not really enforced. By the 1860s, there were about 17,500 Roman Catholics in the country. This followed a harsher persecution, in which thousands of Christians died. This persecution lasted until 1884 (South Korea SOCIETY). Given the great diversity of religious expression, the role of religion in South Korea's social development has been very complex. Some traditions, especially Buddhism, are identified mostly with the past. Buddhist worship sites such as the Pulguksa Temple and the Sokkuram Grotto in Kyongju and the Haeinsa Temple near Taegu are viewed by most South Koreans as important cultural properties instead of places of worship (South Korea SOCIETY). Confucianism is still important as a social ethic due to its influence which is apparent in the immense importance Koreans give to education. Christianity is mostly identified with modernization and social modification. For example Kim Dae Jung, a veteran political opposition leader has been an outspoken advocate of human rights and critic of the government. Christian-sponsored organizations such as the Urban Industrial Mission sponsor labor organizations and the union movement. Overall religion plays a very important role in South Korea and anywhere in the world because it defines who we are and what we believe or value. Therefore anyone who plans to live or go on a trip to South Korea, should know at least the basics about religion in South Korea because religion defines how people are, meaning what they believe in as well as what their morals and values are.

Olivarria 4 References Beliefs In Christianity. (n.d.). Beliefs In Christianity. Retrieved October 31, 2013, from http://www.typesofreligion.com/christianity/beliefs.html

Chunghee , S. S. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/South-Korea.html Kim, J. (n.d.). History of Korea. About Korea-Information Korea. Retrieved September 25, 2013, from www.koreaaward.com/kor/index.php?mid=history&document_srl=110 South Korea - SOCIETY. (n.d.). South Korea - SOCIETY. Retrieved October 31, 2013, from http://www.mongabay.com/reference/country_studies/south-korea/SOCIETY.html