Korean Religion

Korean Religion

Unlike some other cultures, only a dominant religion, Korean culture together many elements of different religions and forms of thinking and behavior of humans. In the first phase of the development history of Korea, the function of religion and politics are often combined, but then between them there was a distinct separation. Historically, Koreans lived under the influence of Shamanism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and in modern history, belief in Christianity has penetrated deep into the country with South Korea important factors could alter the landscape of the human spirit. Rhythm rapid industrialization taking place in a few decades from a few hundred years in Europe, has caused great concern and the stranger broke the peace of mind of Koreans, as they search for the peace in religion. Therefore, some religious believers growing, the religious establishment has also become social institutions have a big impact. Religious freedom is the Korean Constitution guarantees. According to the statistics of a social survey in 1995, 50.7% of Koreans follow a specific religion. The number of Buddhists account for 46%, followed by the 39% Protestant, and Catholic people account for 13% of religious people.   Shamanism    Shamanism is a primitive religion is not systematic, but penetrates deep into the daily lives of Korean people through the folklore and traditions. In the Neolithic period in South Korea, people have faith in things spiritual doctrine that all objects on earth have souls. It is also believed that humans have immortal souls. So the dead bodies are placed so that the direction east - towards the sun. People in the Neolithic period to believe that a healthy spirit as the sun will bring people good luck, evil spirits would bring bad luck. shaman gradually gave way to Confucianism and director Buddha, and the two religions has become a tool to rule the people but its influence is still lasting impact. Shaman - Shamans, in Korean is Mudang who has the ability to connect life with the spiritual world where the dead rest in peace. Shamans are considered capable of preventing evil, cure disease and ensure the delivery of auspicious messages from this world into the afterlife. Shamans are also able to solve any conflict or tension between life and death. Director of the Korean Shaman ritual worship, including thousands of souls that is believed to have harmony in the free world However, like rocks, trees, mountains, streams and sky. Shamanism is the director of social existence in ancient Korea, is director of the cult and superstition, but for the new generation, which is component colors and art making Korean culture. Shaman ritual, rich in witchcraft, evil spirits, bring the flavor of the theater arts in music and dance. The introduction of a complex religion like Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and not to lose confidence as well as the teachings of Shamanism. The director is mixed in with the spirit shaman and coexist harmoniously. Shamanism is still the dominant religion of the Korean people and an important aspect of Korean culture. Buddhism Buddhism is a philosophy of religious discipline, emphasis on the salvation of each one through a rebirth in an endless cycle of reincarnation. Buddhism by a monk named Sundo to Pre-Qin Dynasty from China arrived in Korea in 372 AD - the period of the kingdom of Goguryeo. In 384, monk Malananda brought Buddhism to Baekje from Tan China Eastern states. The Silla kingdom, the monk Ado of Goguryeo was the propagation of Buddhism in the mid 15th century. Buddhism seems to be the ruling elite of the three kingdoms supported as it is emotional in accordance with the structure at that time dominated the Buddha is a symbol of worship only as the king was in power the only issue.Under the auspices of the royal family, many pagodas and temples were erected, the number of Buddhists is growing fast. In the sixth century, monks and other craftsmen migrated to Japan with his business and church objects that form the basis of Buddhist culture in Japan. At the time Silla unified the kingdoms of the Korean peninsula in 668, the kingdom was taken into national religion of Buddhism, although the system of government is the Confucian structure. The preference of the royal family for Buddhism in this period has created an explosion of art brought Buddhist thought as well as the architectural temples, including Temple Bulguksa, along the other shrine Geyongju, the capital of the Silla kingdom. The worship of the State of Buddhism began to decline because of the nobility lost in the playing habits of life of luxury. Buddhism at that time formed the Seon sect (in Japanese as "Zen" means meditation) to focus on seeking the truth of the universe through frugal living. The rulers succeeded the Goryeo even more enthusiastic in support of religion. During the Goryeo art and architectural style of Buddhism continues to grow with the support of the elite. Tripitaka Koreana was born in this period. When Yi Seong-gye, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, initiated the rebellion and self-proclaimed king in 1392, he tried to eliminate any influence of Buddhism from the government to govern and direct Confucianism returned as the guiding principles for governing the country and morality. During the five-century reign of the Joseon Dynasty, any effort to revive Buddhism be considered against the scholars and Confucian officials. When the Japanese military used violence to overthrow Joseon, which put the colonial rule in 1910, Yi Seong-gye tried to assimilate the school of Buddhism in Korea from other schools of Buddhism in Japan. However, he failed, and even revitalized faith in Korean Buddhism.The last decade can be considered the renaissance of Buddhism and has made ​​efforts to adapt to changes in modern society. Most of the monks are staying in the mountains to practice, wallowing in self-canonical and meditation, others go to cities to missionaries. There are many monks take the path of academic study of religion at universities in and outside Korea. Korean Buddhism tends Seon (meditation) has attracted the attention of many Buddhists, including many foreigners through lectures at Temple Songwangsa in Jeollanam-do Province, Seon centers in Seoul and many other cities. Confucianism Confucianism is a moral belief and religion introduced from the 6th century BC. Basically, the system is the result of moral consciousness, love, kindness, honesty, rituals and wisdom reign in place to encourage and preserve the principle of own household water treatment . Confucianism is a religion without God is like early Buddhism. Over time, believers were later canonized disciples wisdom and key. Confucianism was introduced first by the documentation of the Chinese in early AD. Three Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla were preserved the record suggests the existence of Confucian influence early on. In the kingdom of Goguryeo, a state university founded in the name Daehak 372 and some private schools taught Confucianism was established. Baekje was founded the same school earlier. Silla unified country sent a team of scholars to the Tang Dynasty - China's direct observation of teaching in schools of Confucianism and take collective notes on the issue.For the Goryeo Dynasty in the 10th century, Buddhism is the country's national religion and Confucianism are the backbone philosophy and structure of the state. Recruitment exam in Gwageo officials, imitating examination system of 10th century China, has encouraged a lot of Confucian learning and inculcate in the minds of Korean Confucian values. Dynasty Joseon, founded in 1392, accepted Confucianism as an official ideology and was noted to develop education systems, rituals and the people ruled by Confucian ideology. When Korea was invaded Western European countries, including Japan in the 19th century, the Confucian gathered force called "insurgents" to stand up to fight the invaders. There were also efforts to reform Confucianism to suit the changing conditions of the times. The reformers accept European civilization and try to establish an independent government agency time. During the Japanese colonial rule Korea, the reform initiated many movements for independence, fought against the Japanese colonialists. Today, the practice of ancestor worship is common Confucian filial piety and the children of parents regard as a virtue in Korean society.   Christianity Wave activities of Christian missionaries in Korea from the 17th century, when the vassal tribute to China every year to bring a copy of the document missionary Matteo Ricci written in kanji. Along with the morality of Christianity, the document also refers to aspects of Western knowledge as the solar calendar (Gregorian) and many other issues that the scholars of Silhak - school of academic practice - Joseon Dynasty interest. In the 18th century, beginning with a change of belief in academics and family. No priest in Korea until 1794, when Chu Van mites, a Chinese priest in Korea. The number of people who change religions began to rise, although the spread of religion, foreign religion on Korean soil is considered contrary to law, and sometimes there are suppression of the this spread. By 1865, about a dozen priests led a community consists of 23,000 believers. With the rise of Daewongun in 1863, a xenophobic prince regent, the elimination of Christianity is really catching early and continued to 1873. In 1925, 79 Korean martyrs executed by the Joseon Dynasty was beatification in St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica in Rome, and in 1968 a further 24 more believers were martyred beatification so . During and after the Korean War (1950 - 1953), the number of relief organizations and missions Catholic missionaries increased. In 1984, the Roman Catholic Church in Korea held a ceremony to commemorate the two hundred anniversary with visit to Seoul by Pope John Paul II and the canonization to 93 believers Korean martyrs and 10 French believers. This was the first canonization was celebrated outside the Vatican. With this event has become South Korea has many saints of God in the world Wednesday, although the development of Catholicism in quality is still slow. Protestant    In 1884, Horace N. Allen, an American doctor and a missionary to the Presbyterian Church of Korea. Two Americans are Horace G. Underwood on the same sect and a preacher of the Director of the New Catholic church also Henry G. Appenzeller arrived in Korea a year later. After they have many missionaries of various sects of Protestantism to Korea. The missionaries have contributed to Korean society through the provision of health services and education to spread the philosophy of the sect. Protestant believers like Professor Seo Korea aae-pil, Yi Sang-jae and Yun Chi-ho are independent volunteer leaders devoted his political career. The private schools of the Protestant , as Yonhi and Ewha activities to promote nationalist ideas in the community. Christian Youth Association Seoul (YMCA) was founded in 1903 along with many other Christian organizations. These organizations are very active in the political and social activities and encourage the establishment of similar institutions in Korean youth. The youth group is not only to pursue his political education, but also awakened social consciousness against superstitious practices and bad habits, while promoting gender equality, elimination of state concubines, and simplified forms of ritual.   The unprecedented growth of the Protestant church in Korea led to the meeting the Bible study on a large scale in 1905. Four years later, the movement of "millions of souls for God," began and has encouraged a massive shift to the new religion of Protestantism. Protestant people are warm welcome not only as a religious but also political significance, social, educational and cultural center of it. Cheongdogyo Initially, Cheongdogyo is a social movement and technology to compete against the spread and invasion of foreign movements in the 1860s. Then called Donghak (East course) to the opposite of "Western learning." Principles of Cheongdogyo is Innaecheon means people are identified with "Haneullim," God in the Cheongdogyo, but people are not quite the same God. Each card bears in mind "Haneullim" - God in the Cheongdogyo - and this is the source of the dignity of every human being, and cultivation of the spirit makes people identify with the divine.   Islam The first Korean who joined the Muslims who went to northeast China's early 20th century, when Korea was under colonial rule of Japan. A few converts turned to Korea after World War II, but they do not have room to pursue their beliefs until the Turkish military forces as the UN peace process in South Korea ended the Korean War period (1950 - 1953) and so they joined forces. inauguration of Islam held in September 1955 after the elected Imam (Muslim leader) first Korean. Korean Islamic Society was expanded and reorganized into the Korean Muslim Federation in 1967; mosque center located in Seoul in 1976.