Korea, original religious mosaic

Korea offers a diverse religious panorama that is original in Asia. South Korea has no official religion; the state is secular and separate from religious denominations. Slightly more than half of the population do not identify themselves as belonging to any religion. The rest of the Korean population is largely divided between Christianity, which is in the majority (a unique case in the Far East), and Buddhism. However, other cults and doctrines still pervade the entire society.

Buddhism

Buddhism originated in China and had established itself in the Korean Three Kingdoms by the fourth century. It gave rise to several currents, chief among them the Chogye order, or Korean Zen. He left behind a particularly rich legacy, as evidenced by the seven Sansa monasteries in the mountains, founded between the 7th and 9th centuries. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, apart from 15-20% practicing Buddhists, the vast majority of Koreans are influenced by Buddhist philosophy and traditions.

Christianity

Christianity was introduced by Catholic missionaries, especially French missionaries, in the eighteenth century and developed in the late nineteenth century. It was American Protestant missionaries who built schools and hospitals with the benevolent support of the monarchy, which was in decline at the time, which ensured the predominance of evangelical currents in Korean Christianity. Christianity became a symbol of resistance during the occupation by the Japanese, who wanted to impose the Shinto cult. It became the leading religion in Korea (almost 20% of Koreans are Protestants and 8% are Catholics, making Christianity the religion of more than a quarter of the country's population).

Confucianism

A philosophical, metaphysical, and somewhat religious doctrine, Confucianism originated in China, like Buddhism, and simultaneously spread to Korea. Confucianism became the official religion under the Joseon kings beginning in 1392 in the form of Neo-Confucianism. Although there is a Confucius shrine in Seoul, it is visited by only a small minority of believers. However, Confucian philosophy still pervades the vast majority of Korean society. It is based on the values of order and harmony, both in society and in the family. Respect for elders implies a real hierarchical system, so it is necessary to know exactly the age of the interlocutor in order to mutually adapt attitudes. Parents have real power in the traditional family. This Confucian formalism is reflected in traditional marriages, funerals, death anniversaries and respect for ancestors.

Shamanism

Shamanism (Shindo) was the indigenous religion before the arrival of other cults. Throughout Korean history, it remained a private practice, never affiliated with the state. Protestant missionaries fought it and temples were destroyed during the dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s. Today it is experiencing a renaissance. It is mainly practiced by female shamans (there are about 50 000 today). Mudang, to use the Korean term, is an intermediary between the world of spirits and deities and the world of humans. Mudang is still used by people of all walks of life to ward off bad luck and ensure good fortune in exams, job interviews, investments, gambling, building inaugurations, and even elections. The spirits are offered food, particularly pig's head. Mudang shake bells, write talismans, swing swords and, of course, must be paid for their services.

Overall, Korean religion is a reflection of the country's rich and varied history and culture. It continues to evolve and change while maintaining its unique identity.