|
| |
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.
|
