Sarah Mitchell
South Korea is not a Catholic country, as the majority of its population has no religious affiliation. However, Catholicism is on the rise in South Korea, with an exponential growth of nearly 1,200% in the last 50 years. As of 2017, there were about 5.8 million Catholics in South Korea, making up about 11% of the population. The Catholic Church in South Korea has a positive public perception due to its role in the country's democratization, social welfare initiatives, and respectful approach to interfaith relations and traditional Korean spirituality. The Church has also taken social action through schools, universities, hospitals, and soup kitchens.
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What You'll Learn
Catholicism's growth in South Korea
Catholicism in South Korea has grown significantly in recent years, with membership rising from 7.9% to 11.3% of the population between 1997 and 2021. At the end of 2017, there were 5,813,770 Catholics in South Korea, comprising 11.0% of the population. In 2023, the number of adherents increased to 5,970,675, accounting for 11.3% of the population. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the Church's positive perception by the general public due to its role in the democratization of South Korea, its involvement in social welfare initiatives, and its respectful approach to interfaith relations and traditional Korean spirituality.
The history of Catholicism in South Korea dates back to the late 16th century when Spanish Jesuit priest Gregorio Céspedes is believed to have arrived in Busan in 1593, marking the possible beginning of Catholic missionary work in the country. However, the religion took root in the 18th century when Yi Seung-hun was baptised in China and returned to Korea, spreading his new faith by baptising many of his fellow countrymen. Despite facing persecution during the 19th century under the Joseon dynasty due to its opposition to ancestral worship, the Catholic Church in Korea persevered and expanded.
In the last 50 years, the number of Catholics in South Korea has increased by nearly 1,200%, growing from about half a million adherents in the 1960s to nearly 6 million today. This growth is particularly notable given that more than half of South Korea's population has no religious affiliation. The Catholic Church in South Korea is characterised by its integration with traditional Confucian customs, which form an integral part of the country's secular culture.
The Church's social contributions have been significant, with active involvement in schools, universities, hospitals, and soup kitchens. Additionally, South Korea has witnessed a high number of baptisms, with 41,000 people receiving this sacrament in 2022 and a nearly 10% increase in adult baptisms from the previous year. The country's low birth rate, one of the lowest globally, has not hindered the growth of Catholicism, indicating the appeal of the religion to its adherents.
South Korea's Catholic Church has gained recognition within the global Catholic community. Pope Francis visited South Korea in 2014, his first official trip to Asia, where he met with the Catholic community and witnessed the country's growing importance within the Church. The Archdiocese of Seoul will host World Youth Day in 2027, a significant event for Catholic youth and young adults worldwide, further showcasing the country's prominence within global Catholicism.
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Persecution under the Joseon Dynasty
South Korea is not a Catholic country, with government surveys showing that in 2020, more than 45% of South Koreans practised no religion, about 22% were Buddhists, and 29.2% were Christians, with 11.1% being Catholics and 18% Protestants. However, the Catholic Church in South Korea has grown significantly in recent years, with membership rising from 7.9% to 11.3% of the population between 1997 and 2021.
Catholicism in Korea is said to have begun in 1784 when Yi Seung-hun was baptised in China under the Christian name of Peter. Yi Seung-hun then returned to Korea with religious texts, baptising many of his fellow countrymen. The Church in Korea continued to grow without formal missionary priests.
During the 19th century, the Catholic Church was targeted by the government of the Joseon Dynasty, chiefly because of the religion's opposition to ancestral "worship", which the Church perceived to be a form of idolatry, but which the state prescribed as a cornerstone of Korean culture. The Joseon Dynasty was a strictly Confucianist society with an emphasis on loyalty to the king, holding ancestral rites, and adhering to a social class system. The Catholic concept of equality for all must have appealed to the people of Joseon, many of whom were experiencing harsh lives in a foreign country. The gathering of Catholics with no distinction based on class was perceived to undermine "hierarchical Confucianism", the ideology that held the state together. This gave rise to systematic suppression and persecution.
There were four major persecutions, the last of which was in 1866, with about 10,000 missionaries and believers killed over a century. The Sinhae Persecution (1791), the Sinyu Persecution (1801), and the Byeongin Persecution (1866) are some of the persecutions that took place during the Joseon Dynasty. The Catholic Persecution of 1801, ordered by Queen Jeongsun during King Sunjo of Joseon's reign, saw the government begin to suppress Catholicism in the belief that it conflicted with the tenets of Confucianism. During this time, Augustine Yu, who was recognised as the head of the Church in the Jeolla-do region, was the first to be arrested. He was taken to Seoul, where he underwent interrogation and torture at the Police Headquarters. He was charged with treason and executed.
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Catholicism's positive perception in South Korea
South Korea is not a Catholic country, but the religion constitutes a significant part of its population. In 2023, there were 5,970,675 Catholics in South Korea, making up 11.3% of the population. This number has increased by nearly 1200% in the last 50 years.
Catholicism in South Korea is perceived positively for several reasons. Firstly, the Catholic Church is respected for its role in the democratization of the country. During the military dictatorship of the 1960s and 1970s, the Church positioned itself alongside the pro-democracy resistance, often criticising the government and providing asylum for anti-government protestors. This earned the Church a reputation for being relevant, dedicated, and courageous in the eyes of many South Koreans.
Secondly, the Catholic Church is actively involved in social welfare initiatives. It has taken social action through schools, universities, hospitals, and soup kitchens. The Church's respectful approach to interfaith relationships and traditional Korean spirituality, including the integration of Confucian customs, has also been well-received.
Additionally, the Catholic Church in South Korea has a unique characteristic in that it is overrepresented among the elite and higher social hierarchies. This has contributed to the perception of Catholicism as a progressive and influential force in the country.
The positive perception of Catholicism in South Korea is further evidenced by the successful visit of Pope Francis in 2014. The Pope met with the Catholic community and witnessed the growth and importance of Catholicism in the country. The visit attracted large crowds, including an estimated 800,000 Koreans who gathered at Gwanghwamun plaza in Seoul.
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South Korea's Catholic saints
South Korea has witnessed a significant growth in its Catholic population over the last few decades. The number of Catholics in the country has increased by nearly 1200% in 50 years, rising from half a million in the 1960s to almost 6 million today. This growth has been attributed to various factors, including the Church's positive perception due to its role in the country's democratization, its involvement in social welfare, and its respectful approach to interfaith relations and traditional Korean spirituality.
Catholicism in South Korea has a long and fascinating history. It is said to have begun in 1784 when Yi Seung-hun was baptised in China and returned to Korea to baptise his fellow countrymen. Despite facing persecution and opposition from the government of the Joseon dynasty due to their non-alignment with ancestral "worship", the Church in Korea continued to grow. This resulted in the production of thousands of martyrs, including the first Korean priest, St. Andrew Taegon Kim, who was ordained in 1845 and martyred in 1846.
In May 1984, Pope John Paul II canonised 103 saints, including St. Andrew Taegon Kim and 102 other Korean Martyrs. St. Andrew Taegon Kim, also known as Andrew Kim Tae-gon or Andrew Kim, was the first South Korean Catholic priest and is recognised as the patron saint of Korean clergy. He was tortured and beheaded near Seoul on the Han River in 1846 for practising his faith. His bravery and dedication to his religion have earned him a place among South Korea's most revered Catholic saints.
In addition to St. Andrew Taegon Kim, there are several other notable Korean Martyrs who have been canonised:
- St. Paul Chong Hasang: A layman who played a crucial role in uniting Christians during persecution and advocated for the strength of their faith. He was martyred in 1839 after writing a letter in prison defending Catholicism to the Korean government.
- St. Jeong Ha Sang Paul: He was the father of Jeong Chul Sang (Charles), who was beatified alongside 123 others. St. Jeong Ha Sang Paul was martyred in 1839 and was declared a saint in 1984.
- St. Agatha Yi: A 17-year-old martyr who, along with her brother, demonstrated unwavering faith even when faced with betrayal.
The Korean Martyrs also include eleven priests and ninety-two laypeople who were canonised for their dedication to their religion. South Korea now has the fourth-largest number of saints in the Catholic Church since 1984 when the 103 martyrs were recognised. The country's rich Catholic heritage and the sacrifices of these saints have played a pivotal role in shaping the religious landscape of South Korea.
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Catholicism and Confucianism
South Korea is not a Catholic country, as the majority of its population practices no religion or adheres to Buddhism or Protestantism. However, Catholicism has grown significantly in South Korea in recent years, with an increase of nearly 1200% in the last 50 years. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including the Church's positive perception due to its role in democratization, social welfare, and respectful interfaith relations.
In the 18th century, when Catholicism was introduced to Korea by Jesuit missionaries, it faced resistance from Neo-Confucian scholars. The Jesuits offered an intertwined package of advanced scientific knowledge, Thomistic philosophy, and Christian dogmas. While some young Confucian students converted to Catholicism, accepting the argument that the two belief systems were compatible, most Neo-Confucians saw Catholicism as a threat to their treasured values. They believed that Catholic doctrines promoted selfish individuality and clashed with the community-oriented and cosmically unified worldview of Confucianism.
The conflict between Catholicism and Confucianism in 18th-century Korea resulted in the persecution and death of the first Korean Catholics. However, Catholicism continued to grow in Korea, and today, it has inculturated with traditional Confucian customs, creating a unique blend of religious and cultural influences in South Korea.
While Confucianism as an organized religion has declined in South Korea, with very few people identifying as Confucian, its principles continue to influence various aspects of society. The emphasis on education and exams in South Korea, for example, reflects the traditional Confucian respect for learning. Additionally, Confucian rituals, such as ancestor memorial services, are still commonly performed, demonstrating the ongoing influence of Confucian filial piety in family life.
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Frequently asked questions
No, South Korea is not a Catholic country. However, Catholicism is on the rise in South Korea, with around 11% of the population (approximately 5.8 million to 6 million people) identifying as Catholic.
There are approximately 5.8 million to 6 million Catholics in South Korea, with 51,307 people baptised in 2023.
Around 11% of South Korea's population is Catholic, making it one of the most strongly Catholic countries in Asia.
Government surveys from 2020 showed that more than 45% of South Koreans practice no religion, around 22% are Buddhists, and 29.2% are Christians.
Catholicism was introduced to Korea in the 18th century through trade and the exchange of ideas with Europe. The Catholic Church in South Korea has grown significantly in recent years, with membership rising from 7.9% to 11.3% of the population between 1997 and 2021. This growth can be attributed to the Church's positive perception by the general public due to its role in democratization, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
