Of the South Korean population in 2005, 46.5% were classified as non religious, 22.8% were Buddhist, 29.2% were Christians (18.3% were Protestants and 10.9% were Catholics), and the rest adhered to various minority religions including Jeung San Do, Daesun Jinrihoe, Cheondoism, Taoism, Confucianism and Won Buddhism.
Buddhism (불교 Bulgyo)
Buddhism entered Korea from China during the period of the three kingdoms (372, or the 4th century).[17] Buddhism was the dominant religious and cultural influence in the Silla (668-935) and subsequent Goryeo (918-1392) states. Confucianism was also brought to Korea from China in early centuries, and was formulated as Korean Confucianism in Goryeo. However, it was only in the subsequent Joseon kingdom (1392–1910) that Korean Confucianism was established as the state ideology and religion, and Korean Buddhism underwent 500 years of suppression.[19][20] Buddhism in the contemporary state of South Korea is stronger in the east of the country, namely the Yeongnamand Gangwon regions, as well as in Jeju.
Christianity (기독교 Gidoggyo)
Christianity in South Korea is predominantly constituted by communities pertaining to Protestantism (개신교 Gaesingyo, "renewed teaching") and Catholicism (천주교 Cheonjugyo, "religion of the Lord of Heaven", or 카톨릭교 Katolliggyo), respectively with 8.6 million and 5.3 million members as of the 2005 census. There are also small communities of Orthodox Christians (정교 Jeonggyo), founded by Russian Orthodox missionary endeavors in the 19th century, and Mormons (몰몬교 Molmongyo). Christianity grew exponentially in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s it continued to grow, but at a slower rate. Christianity is especially dominant in the west of the country including Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi and Honam regions. Seoul is home to Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest Pentecostal megachurch in the country.
Confucianism (유교 Yugyo)
Only 0.2% of contemporary South Koreans identify as adherents of Confucianism. However, the influence of Confucian ethical thought on other religious practices, and on Korean culture in general, remains ubiquitous and pervasive.
Buddhism (불교 Bulgyo)
Buddhism entered Korea from China during the period of the three kingdoms (372, or the 4th century).[17] Buddhism was the dominant religious and cultural influence in the Silla (668-935) and subsequent Goryeo (918-1392) states. Confucianism was also brought to Korea from China in early centuries, and was formulated as Korean Confucianism in Goryeo. However, it was only in the subsequent Joseon kingdom (1392–1910) that Korean Confucianism was established as the state ideology and religion, and Korean Buddhism underwent 500 years of suppression.[19][20] Buddhism in the contemporary state of South Korea is stronger in the east of the country, namely the Yeongnamand Gangwon regions, as well as in Jeju.
Christianity (기독교 Gidoggyo)
Christianity in South Korea is predominantly constituted by communities pertaining to Protestantism (개신교 Gaesingyo, "renewed teaching") and Catholicism (천주교 Cheonjugyo, "religion of the Lord of Heaven", or 카톨릭교 Katolliggyo), respectively with 8.6 million and 5.3 million members as of the 2005 census. There are also small communities of Orthodox Christians (정교 Jeonggyo), founded by Russian Orthodox missionary endeavors in the 19th century, and Mormons (몰몬교 Molmongyo). Christianity grew exponentially in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s it continued to grow, but at a slower rate. Christianity is especially dominant in the west of the country including Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi and Honam regions. Seoul is home to Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest Pentecostal megachurch in the country.
Confucianism (유교 Yugyo)
Only 0.2% of contemporary South Koreans identify as adherents of Confucianism. However, the influence of Confucian ethical thought on other religious practices, and on Korean culture in general, remains ubiquitous and pervasive.