Christianity in Korea

Christianity is an important part of life in South Korea, though it is less common in North Korea. In South Korea, many people are Protestants, mostly Presbyterians, and many are Catholics. Christianity came to Korea long ago during the late Joseon Dynasty. It was brought by Korean scholars who learned about it in China. In 1603, a Korean politician named Yi Su-gwang brought back books about Christianity from Beijing.

At first, Korean leaders did not welcome this new belief and made it illegal. But Christianity kept growing. The first Protestant church, called Sorae Church, began in 1883. Over time, many Christian groups became part of Korea’s life. Today, many people in South Korea identify as Christian.

Christian missionaries helped start schools and universities. These schools educated many people and shared ideas from around the world. Today, Christianity is often connected with education and city life.

Cultural significance

Christianity has been very important in Korean life. It has helped shape other religions too. Buddhists also try to gain people's support, and many smaller religious groups were inspired by Christians. Christians started many schools and universities in Korea, including three of the top five.

Before the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, most Christians lived in the north, but many moved to the south later. Today, many people in South Korea identify as Christian. By the 1960s, there were about half a million Catholics and one million Protestants, and their numbers grew quickly during the 1980s. In 2005, around 29 percent of South Koreans said they were Christian. The Presbyterian Church has the most members among Protestant groups in South Korea.

South Korea sends many Christian missionaries to other countries, second only to the United States. Many of these missionaries work in places where Westerners are not always welcome. By 2009, South Korea had sent around 20,000 missionaries to countries all around the world.

Growth of Christianity

Christianity became important in South Korea but stayed small in North Korea. It first arrived in the late 1700s when Korean scholars found books about it in China.

In the 1800s, many Koreans in the northern areas welcomed Christian ideas. Missionaries brought new knowledge, schools, and medical care. These changes helped people learn and connect with the wider world.

Later, during Japanese rule, many Christians stood up for Korea's independence. Their faith became linked with national pride. Even under difficult times, Christians kept their traditions alive.

In South Korea, Christian values helped shape society and supported ideas like equality and education. Many believe these values helped the country grow quickly in later years. Today, South Korea sends many missionaries around the world to share their faith.

Political and social issues

Since President Lee Myung-bak became leader, people have talked about the role of Christian groups in South Korean politics. Some worry that Christian influence might be growing too strong in areas that should stay neutral.

There have also been debates about school meals and elections, where some church leaders got involved in ways that were not allowed. In addition, some Christian groups have talked about teaching ideas that question how we learn about the history of life on Earth, leading to discussions with the government about what should be taught in schools.

These discussions have sometimes caused tension between different religious groups in South Korea. While some Christian leaders have had disagreements with other faiths, many Christians still work together with people of all beliefs.

Pope Francis' visit

Pope Francis visited South Korea in August 2014. He spent four days there, from August 14 to 18. During his visit, he held a big church service at Myeongdong Cathedral, the main church of the Archdiocese of Seoul. On August 16, the Pope honored 124 Korean Catholic martyrs at another service. An invitation for Catholics from North Korea to join was not accepted because South Korea did not change its plans for military activities with the United States.

Notable Korean politicians

Some important leaders in South Korea have been Christians. For example, Syngman Rhee was a Protestant and served as the President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960. Chang Myon was a Catholic and worked as the Prime Minister and Vice President. Many other leaders, like Kim Young-Sam, Kim Dae-Jung, and Moon Jae-in, also followed Christianity while holding important positions in the government.