Christianity in Korea
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| Christianity in Korea | |
|---|---|
 voy:fr:Utilisateur:Fogg, Peter Fitzgerald · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source | |
| Name | Christianity in Korea |
| Caption | Churches and cathedrals across the Korean Peninsula |
| Region | Korea |
| Religions | Protestantism in Korea, Roman Catholicism in Korea |
| Languages | Korean language, Classical Chinese |
| Founded | 18th century (Catholic), late 19th century (Protestant) |
| Founder | Yi Seung-hun, Robert Jermain Thomas, Horace N. Allen |
Christianity in Korea is a major religious tradition on the Korean Peninsula encompassing diverse Protestantism in Korea, Roman Catholicism in Korea, and smaller Eastern Orthodoxy in Korea communities. It has shaped modern Joseon dynasty reform debates, influenced the development of Korea under Japanese rule, and played central roles in the politics of both the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Christian institutions in Korea have produced notable figures, missionary movements, social services, and transnational networks linking United States–Korea relations, United Kingdom–Korea relations, and other global actors.
History
Christian presence traces to 18th-century contacts when Korean envoys encountered Catholicism in China and returned with texts, initiating clandestine conversion during the late Joseon dynasty under figures such as Yi Seung-hun and Jeong Yak-yong. The 19th century saw persecution, notably the Sinyu Persecution and Gihae Persecution, producing martyrs later canonized by Pope John Paul II and commemorated at Myeongdong Cathedral. Protestant expansion followed the arrival of missionaries like Robert Jermain Thomas, Horace N. Allen, Henry G. Appenzeller, and Horace Underwood in the 1880s, intertwined with medical missions such as Severance Hospital and educational foundations including Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University. Christianity interacted with anti-colonial movements during Korea under Japanese rule and the March 1st Movement alongside leaders like Syngman Rhee and activists from Protestant Korean independence movement. Post-1945 partition after Korean War intensified religious divergence: the Republic of Korea experienced rapid Christian growth through revival movements and megachurches such as Yoido Full Gospel Church, while the Democratic People's Republic of Korea suppressed organized religion under leaders like Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, with limited state-sanctioned churches in Pyongyang.
Demographics and Distribution
Christian communities are concentrated in urban centers: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Daejeon host large Protestantism in Korea and Roman Catholicism in Korea populations. National censuses of the Republic of Korea show Christians accounting for significant minorities alongside Buddhism in Korea and Korean shamanism, while religious statistics in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are contested by international organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Regional hubs include Gyeonggi Province, Gyeongsang Province, Jeolla Province, and Gangwon Province with different denominational profiles shaped by missionary histories from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Norway. Diaspora communities in United States–Korean diaspora, China–Korea relations, Japan–Korea relations, Russia–Korea relations and Australia–Korea relations maintain links to parent institutions such as Presbyterian Church in Korea, Anglican Church of Korea, and various Pentecostalism networks.
Denominations and Institutions
Major denominations include conservative and mainline branches of Presbyterianism, Methodism, Baptist churches, Pentecostalism in Korea, and the Roman Catholic Church in Korea. Prominent institutions comprise Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Seoul National University Hospital (linked historically to Christian medical missions), Korea Christian Federation, and charitable organizations such as Korea Food for the Hungry International and Korea Christian Missionary Association. Ecclesiastical authorities feature the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, national bodies like the Korean National Council of Churches, and denominational headquarters including Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap) and Presbyterian Church of Korea (HapDong). Missionary societies from American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, London Missionary Society, and Korean Missionary Society catalyzed indigenous leadership exemplified by pastors like Kang Young-hun and theologians such as Kim Ki-dong. Media and publishing outlets include Korean Christian Press and theological seminaries like Hanshin University and Chongshin University.
Cultural and Social Influence
Christianity has influenced Korean art, architecture, music, and social welfare: churches like Myeongdong Cathedral and megachurches such as Yoido Full Gospel Church shape skylines and broadcasting through networks linked to Korea Broadcasting System and independent Christian media. Christian-run schools, hospitals, and charities intersect with civic movements exemplified by participation in the Gwangju Uprising and pro-democracy campaigns associated with figures like Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. Liturgical forms and hymnody have blended with Korean traditions through composers and hymnwriters connected to Korean hymnody and mission-educated clergy. Festivals and public commemorations engage institutions such as National Museum of Korea and ecclesiastical archives, while debates over Confucianism in Korea and modern secular trends involve public intellectuals from Sejong Institute and cultural critics linked to Dong-A Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo.
Political and Human Rights Issues
Christian actors have engaged in electoral politics, human rights advocacy, and inter-Korean relations. In the Republic of Korea, Christian voters and clergy have influenced parties including the Democratic Party of Korea and conservative blocs tied to figures like Park Chung-hee and Lee Myung-bak, while churches have mobilized on social issues concerning abortion, LGBTQ rights, and religious liberty with stakeholders such as National Human Rights Commission of Korea and civil groups like Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance. Internationally, Christian NGOs participate in humanitarian aid to North Korea alongside agencies like World Vision International and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, reported persecution of believers by state security organs under the Workers' Party of Korea raises concerns documented by United Nations Human Rights Council and advocacy groups such as Open Doors. Ecumenical dialogues involve the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, and bilateral religious exchanges mediated by diplomatic entities including the Ministry of Unification (South Korea).