Buddhism first arrived in
Korea in the 2nd year (A.D. 372) of the reign
of King Sosurim of the Goguryeo Kingdom. After
its introduction, Buddhism exerted a powerful
influence in the Baekje Kingdom and Silla Kingdom.
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which are
designated as World Cultural Heritage sites by
UNESCO, are Buddhist creations from the Silla
Kingdom.
Buddhism has exercised a far-reaching influence
on Korean culture throughout its long history.
The nation's invaluable Buddhist heritage abides
in buildings, sculptures, paintings and handicraft.
Protestantism
& Catholicism
Protestantism came to Korea
after the signing of the Korean-American Treaty
in 1882. Because Christianity challenged the basic
values of Joseon society, its believers were subject
to persecution in the early years, but as Christians
took an increasingly active role in the anti-colonial
struggle against the Japanese and churches promoted
more educational opportunities, Christianity gained
acceptance. Today Korean churches evangelize abroad,
and approximately twenty five percent of the Korean
population is Christian. Catholicism first came
to Korea as a western scholarly pursuit. Korean
tributary missions to the imperial court of China
took an interest in Jesuit missionary books and
brought them back to Korea. In 1784 the first
Korean was baptized in Beijing and returned to
Korea to set up a house of worship. Despite considerable
persecution by the government, numerous people
joined the Catholic Church. Presently, over two
million people belong to the church.
