Religions in Korea
Seongjong GO
2006ksj@snu.ac.kr
1. Current Status
The Republic of Korea guarantees freedom of religion under Article 20 of its Constitution and does not recognize any state religion. According to Statistics Korea (https://kosis.kr/search/search.do), approximately 44% of South Korea's population identifies as religious. Among them, Protestants make up about 19%, Buddhists about 17%, and Catholics around 7%. In addition, other religions, including Won Buddhism, Confucianism, Cheondoism, Daejongism, and shamanism coexist in contemporary Korean religious culture.
2. Historical Background
Korean Shamanism dates back to prehistoric times, long before the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism from China. It centers on influencing the spiritual world to bring prosperity, healing, protection, and guidance to individuals or communities. This is often practiced through Gut rituals performed by shamans known as Mudang.
Buddhism was introduced to Korea in the 4th century and became a dominant cultural and spiritual force, especially during the state-sponsored promotion of Buddhism from the Three Kingdoms period (3th century–668) to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). As a result, a significant portion of Korea's cultural heritage consists of Buddhist architecture, art, and sculptures—such as Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple.
Confucianism began to significantly influence politics during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and became the dominant ideology during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), when it was officially recognized as the state religion. It emphasizes propriety, filial piety, and loyalty, values deeply connected to the culture of patriarchy, collectivism, and hierarchical order. Confucianism profoundly shaped ancestral rites and traditional lifecycle rituals, known as Gwanhonsangje.
Catholicism and Protestantism were introduced in earnest by Western missionaries in the late 18th and 19th centuries, during the late Joseon period. During the industrialization period (1960s–1980s), the Christian population, particularly Protestants, surged dramatically and exerted a powerful influence on modern Korea's politics and economy.
During the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), Korean ethnic religions—such as Won Buddhism, Cheondoism, and Daejongism—gained traction among the population and played leading roles in the independence movement. These religions are characterized by their mission to achieve national salvation and their elevation of patriotism to a religious ideal.
Islam was first introduced to Korea as early as the 8th century but nearly disappeared during the Joseon era. It was reintroduced during the Korean War in the 1950s by Turkish soldiers. The recent influx of Muslim immigrants has contributed to the growth of the halal food industry, fostering an understanding of Islamic dietary laws among the broader Korean public.
3. Religious Landmarks in Seoul
3-1. Buddhism
Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa Temple is a historic temple with over 1,200 years of history. It was founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of the Silla Dynasty by the monk Yeonhoe. Despite the suppression of Buddhism during the Joseon Dynasty's focus on Confucianism, the temple played a crucial role in preserving Buddhist traditions.
For further information: https://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Bongeunsa_/432.

Bongeunsa Temple
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple was founded in 1910 during the Japanese colonial period by Buddhist monks who aspired for the independence of Korean Buddhism and the restoration of national dignity. It hosts various cultural and religious events, including the annual Lotus Lantern Festival.
For further information:
https://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Jogyesa-Temple_/2586.

Jogyesa Temple

Jongmyo Shrine
3-2. Confucianism
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine is a Confucian royal shrine dedicated to the memorial services of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jongmyo is renowned for its traditional Jongmyo Jerye rituals and music, which are recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
For further information: https://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Jongmyo%20Shrine_/549.

Seoul Munmyo Confucian Shrine and Seonggyungwan Academy
Seoul Munmyo Confucian Shrine and Seonggyungwan Academy
Munmyo Confucian Shrine and Seonggyungwan National Academy held ritual ceremonies for Confucius as well as grand masters as the educational institutes of Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty. It is located inside Sungkyunkwan University and is famous for its beautiful ginkgo trees.
Further information: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=85542&menuSn=351.
3-3. Shamanism
Geumseongdang Shrine (The Museum of Shamanism)
Geumseongdang shrine is presumed to have been built in the early 1880s or earlier, featuring the traditional shrine style of the late Joseon Dynasty. On Thursdays and Fridays, it operates as the Museum of Shamanism, where visitors can view artifacts, paintings, photographs, and videos related to Korea's shamanist tradition.
For further information: http://shamanismmuseum.org/sub07/sub01.php.

Geumseongdang Shrine & The Museum of Shamanism

Myeongdong Cathedral
3-4. Catholicism
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral was constructed in 1899 with the financial support of the Paris Mission Society. It is the first Gothic-style cathedral in Korea and a symbol of Korean Catholicism. The Gothic quality can be felt more strongly on the inside rather than the outside of the building.
For further information, https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=111212&menuSn=351.
3-5. Protestantism
Sarang Church
Sarang Church, founded in 1978, is one of the largest churches in the country, renowned for its modern architectural style and grand sanctuary. It is recognized in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest underground church.
For further information, https://english.sarang.org/info/facilities_en.asp.

Sarang Church
Yoido Full Gospel Church
With approximately 480,000 members, Yoido Full Gospel Church is the world's largest Pentecostal Christian congregation. Established in 1958 by Pastor David Yonggi Cho, it is renowned for its dynamic worship services and its emphasis on the "Threefold Blessing" theology, which focuses on spiritual, physical, and financial well-being.
For further information, https://travelgasm.com/seoul-south-korea/largest-megachurch-in-the-world-yoido-full-gospel-church-yeouido-seoul-south-korea.html.

Yoido Full Gospel Church

Seoul Central Mosque
3-6. Islam
Seoul Central Mosque
The Seoul Central Mosque is the first Islamic mosque in Korea, established in 1976 with special support from the Korean government, which provided land for its construction. Outside the mosque, there are various facilities catering to both Muslims and the general public, including a halal restaurant, halal butcher, Islamic bookstore, and halal supermarket.
For further information, https://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Seoul-Central-Mosque/ENP004863.