Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE MAIN BELIEF SYSTEMS
Of the four streams of spiritual influence in Korea, Confucianism and Buddhism are the
most important. Christianity, which first made inroads into Korea in the 18th century, also
plays a major role in the lives of many, while the ancient superstitions of shamanism persist
as well.
Visit the spirit shrines of Joseon royalty at the splendid Jongmyo. A grand Confucian cere-
mony honouring the deceased is held there every May.
Confucianism
The state religion of the Joseon dynasty, Confucianism still lives on as a kind of ethical
bedrock (at least subconsciously) in the minds of most Koreans, especially the elderly.
The Chinese philosopher Confucius (552-479 BC) devised a system of ethics that em-
phasised devotion to parents and family, loyalty to friends, justice, peace, education, reform
and humanitarianism. He also urged that respect and deference should be given to those in
positions of authority - a philosophy exploited by Korea's Joseon-dynasty ruling elite.
Confucius firmly believed that men were superior to women and that a woman's place was
in the home.
About 90% of Korean Buddhist temples belong to the Jogye order
an extravagant lantern parade in Seoul.
These ideas led to the system of civil service examinations
(gwageo),
where one could
gain position through ability and merit, rather than from noble birth and connections
(though it was, in fact, still an uphill battle for the commonly born). Confucius preached
against corruption, war, torture and excessive taxation. He was the first teacher to open his
school to all students solely on the basis of their willingness to learn.
As Confucianism trickled into Korea, it evolved into neo-Confucianism, which com-
bined the sage's original ethical and political ideas with the quasi-religious practice of an-
cestor worship and the idea of the eldest male as spiritual head of the family.
