| Religion |
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Korea enjoys a freedom of religion, and has seen an increase in authorized religious gatherings and establishments over the years. Confucianism, Buddhism, Korean Shamanism and Christianity have all influenced Korea's religious traditions and the society as a whole. About 40% South Korea's population currently professes their religious beliefs and affiliations.
The most common religious beliefs in Korea today are:
Buddhism was blended with Korean Shamanism following its introduction to the country. Although initially widely accepted, Buddhism suffered extreme repression during the Joseon Period. |
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Currently, Korean Buddhism consists mostly of the Seon lineage. Buddhists make up about 23% of Korea's religious population.
Two Korean Buddhist Orders, Jogye and Cheontae, offer temple stays. Visitors are given the opportunity experience life with Buddhist monks and nuns at mountain temples.
Roman Catholicism first entered Korea in 1592 during an invasion by the Japanese. In 1784, travelers from Korea met Jesuit missionaries from the West, as well Chinese Catholics in China. There are more than 5.1 million Catholics in South Korea, making up about 11% of Korea's religious population. |
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Protestantism in Korea started in about the 19th century when believers met Scottish Presbyterian missionaries in Manchuria. The city of Seoul is home to some of the world's largest Christian congregations. Protestants make up about 18% of Korea's religious population.
Catholic and protestant churches can easily be found throughout Korea. In big cities, it's also possible find churches that have English worship services. |
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| National Holidays |
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| Dates of holidays that are based on the Lunar Calendar vary from year to year, while those based on the Solar (Western) Calendar occur on the same date annually. |
New Year's Day (January 1st)
Both Western and Lunar New Year's Day are celebrated in South Korea.
Seollal, or Lunar New Year (follows the Lunar Calendar, varies, from January to late February)
This is the second most important holiday in Korea, following autumn's Chuseok. Families generally reunite and travel back to their hometowns during this holiday. Seollal is the most prominent occasion on which Koreans honor their ancestors and older living relatives. Young people usually receive gifts of cash for correctly executing traditional bows in front of elders, and wishing them good health and prosperity for the new |
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year.
Koreans consider themselves to be one year older on Lunar New Year's Day, not on their actual birthdays. Also, when a baby is born in Korea, he or she is considered to be one year old. Because of this, Koreans are usually 1 to 2 years younger than the age that they count themselves as. This symbolically occurs when eating tteok-guk (rice cake soup), and some children humorously try to eat many bowls to become a few years older.
Samiljeol, Independence Movement Day (March 1st)
This day marks the beginning of the independence movement against |
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| the Japanese during their colonial rule. On this day in 1919, leaders of social and religious circles gathered at a park in central Seoul and declared Korea's independence from Japan, which had annexed Korea with tacit U.S. approval in 1910. Yu Kwan-soon is a well-known martyr during the independence movement. The 16 year old was tortured to death in prison, and has come to be known as the Korean 'Joan of Arc.' In recent years, Samiljeol has come to be a holiday that celebrates (and asserts) Korea's independence from all foreign powers. |
Buddha's Birthday (follows the Lunar Calendar, varies, in April to May)
Solemn rituals are held at Buddhist temples across the country. Monks and laymen march through city streets with beautiful paper lanterns at night in Seoul's Jongno area.
Children's Day (May 5th)
This is an official holiday for schools. Children receive gifts from parents and teachers and are taken on family outings.
Parents' Day (May 8th)
This is not an official holiday; however, most families observe it, with children giving parents carnations and letters of appreciation. Teachers |
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at school usually help the students write letters to their parents.
Kindergarten and elementary students usually make carnations with papers to show their appreciation for their |
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parents' love. This love is considered 'eun-hae,' or a debt that can never be paid back. Eun-Hae is also used as a girl's name.
Teacher's Day (May 15th)
Although this day is not a holiday for most teachers in Korea, teachers can expect to be showered with gifts from parents and little notes or gifts from the students themselves.
Memorial Day (June 6th)
On this day, citizens remember those who died for their country, both during military service and the independence movement. Ceremonies are held throughout Korea, most notably at the National Cemetery in |
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Seoul.
Korean Independence Day (August 15th)
Japan surrendered to the United States on this day in 1945. It is celebrated by Koreans as the official end to Japanese colonial rule and the beginning of the modern era in Korea.
Chuseok (follows the Lunar Calendar, varies, in September to October)
Chuseok, Korea's harvest festival, is the biggest holiday of the year. Koreans often refer to this holiday as 'Korean Thanksgiving.' Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar. At Chuseok (and Lunar New Year), it is common for Koreans to wear traditional clothing, called Hanbok.
The day before and after Chuseok are official holidays as well. Most Koreans will make their way to their hometowns to visit their families for the holidays. If you are planning to travel during this time, it's best to make travel arrangements in advance. |
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National Foundation Day (October 3rd)
This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C. by the legendary god-king Dangun. A simple ceremony is held at an altar on top of Mt. Manisan, Ganghwa-do. This altar is said to have been erected by Dangun to offer thanks to his father and grandfather in heaven.
Christmas (December 25th)
Christmas day is an official holiday for everyone in Korea, although celebrations may differ from those of Western cultures. Many young Koreans go out to parties and dinners with friends on December 25th, so if you plan to eat out, it's a good idea to reserve a table in advance. |
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| Most schools will open again on December 26, unless it is the start of
their winter break. Christmas Eve and Boxing Day (December 24th and 26th) hold no special significance in Korea, although many Christians will go to church on Christmas Eve. |
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