South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a nation in East Asia, occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, covering approximately 100,412 km² with a population of about 51.7 million as of 2024.[1] Known for its technology, automotive industry, and K-pop culture, South Korea’s economy thrives with Korean as the official language. The Catholic Church, with approximately 5.9 million adherents (11.3% of the population), plays a significant role, introduced in the late 18th century by Korean scholars. Catholicism influences communities through devotion to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the nation’s patroness, and festivals like Christmas.[2]
South Korea’s temperate climate and vibrant culture, blending Confucian, Buddhist, and modern influences, support a growing Catholic presence, evident in churches like Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. The Church operates schools, universities, and charities, maintaining influence despite Buddhist and Protestant communities. Rooted in its history of Japanese occupation and post-1948 independence, Catholicism has flourished, contributing to education, social welfare, and democratization.[3] Stored: South Korea
| Country: South Korea | |
| Historic: | Yes |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Asia |
| Region: | East Asia |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 100412 km² |
| Population: | 51700000 |
| Catholic Population: | 5900000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 11.3% |
| Catholicism Status: | Significant minority religion |
| Official Languages: | Korean |
| Capital: | Seoul |
| Catholicism Introduced: | Late 18th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 3 |
| Dioceses: | 16 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Geography
South Korea is bordered by North Korea to the north, the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Sea of Japan to the east, covering 100,412 km².[1] Its temperate climate supports agriculture and urban development, with mountainous terrain and coastal plains. Major cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, host Catholic communities, with churches like Myeongdong Cathedral serving as spiritual hubs. South Korea’s geography facilitates Catholic gatherings, particularly in urban centers.[2]
History
South Korea’s history includes ancient kingdoms, Japanese occupation (1910–1945), and independence in 1948, followed by the Korean War (1950–1953).[4] Catholicism was introduced in the 1780s by Korean scholars like Yi Seung-hun, inspired by Jesuit texts from China. Persecuted until the late 19th century, the Church grew post-1945. The Archdiocese of Seoul, established in 1962, solidified Catholicism’s presence.[2]
Demographics
South Korea’s population of approximately 51.7 million is predominantly ethnic Korean (96%), with small foreign minorities.[1] Catholics number about 5.9 million (11.3%), a significant minority amid Buddhists (15%), Protestants (20%), and non-religious (50%). Urban areas like Seoul and Gwangju have strong Catholic communities, while rural areas have less presence. Secularization and Protestant competition challenge Catholic growth.[5][2]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in South Korea operates under three ecclesiastical provinces—Archdiocese of Seoul, Archdiocese of Daegu, and Archdiocese of Gwangju—with 16 dioceses and about 1,800 parishes.[2] The Church runs institutions like Catholic University of Korea and charities like Caritas Korea, led by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea. Bishops, including Peter Chung Soon-taick, promote Catholic Social Teaching.[6]
Structure
The Church has three ecclesiastical provinces:[2]
- Archdiocese of Seoul: Suffragan dioceses include Diocese of Chuncheon, Diocese of Daejeon, Diocese of Incheon, Diocese of Suwon, Diocese of Uijeongbu, Diocese of Wonju.
- Archdiocese of Daegu: Suffragan dioceses include Diocese of Andong, Diocese of Busan, Diocese of Cheongju, Diocese of Masan.
- Archdiocese of Gwangju: Suffragan dioceses include Diocese of Jeju, Diocese of Jeonju.
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the 1780s by Korean scholars, notably Yi Seung-hun, who encountered Jesuit teachings in Beijing.[3] Without foreign missionaries, early Catholics faced persecution, with thousands martyred. The Church grew after religious freedom was granted in 1886, establishing churches like Myeongdong Cathedral.[3]
Key historical events
Key milestones include the first baptisms in 1784 and the establishment of the Archdiocese of Seoul in 1962.[2] The 19th-century persecutions produced martyrs like the 103 Korean Martyrs, canonized in 1984. The Church supported democratization in the 1980s, notably during the Gwangju Uprising. Pope Francis’s 2014 visit, canonizing 124 martyrs, reinforced Catholicism’s role.[7]
Catholicism status
Catholicism, with 11.3% of the population, is a significant minority religion, enjoying legal recognition and cultural influence.[5] The Church thrives through education, charity, and social advocacy, navigating secularization and Protestant competition. Its role in public life is notable.[2][6]
Administrative subdivisions
South Korea is divided into 17 administrative divisions, including 9 provinces, 6 metropolitan cities, 1 special city, and 1 special autonomous city, which serve as first-level administrative subdivisions.[1] These are: Busan, Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Daegu, Daejeon, Gangwon-do, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Incheon, Jeju, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Sejong, Seoul, and Ulsan. Seoul serves as the administrative and Catholic hub.[1]
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Catholics celebrate Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 with masses, alongside Christmas and Easter, often blending Korean customs.[3] The Martyrs’ Shrine in Seoul hosts annual commemorations.
Education and charity
The Church operates institutions like Catholic University of Korea and supports Caritas Korea, aiding social welfare and North Korean defectors, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.[6]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage is evident in Myeongdong Cathedral, a 1898 Gothic structure, and Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine, with religious art reflecting Korean aesthetics.[3]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul and Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine attract pilgrims, especially during martyrs’ feasts.[2]
Historical churches
Myeongdong Cathedral, built in 1898, and Yakhyeon Cathedral in Seoul, established in 1892, are significant for their historical value.[3]
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is South Korea’s patroness, venerated on December 8.[2]
Associated saints and blesseds
The 103 Korean Martyrs, including Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, were canonized in 1984. The 124 Korean Martyrs, canonized in 2014, are also venerated.[8]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Church faces secularization, Protestant competition, and cultural ties to Buddhism. It responds with evangelization, youth programs, and interfaith dialogue.[5]
Social and political influence
The Catholic Church influences education, social justice, and democratization through Caritas Korea, advocating for human rights and reconciliation with North Korea, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "South Korea". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/korea-south/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Catholic Dioceses in South Korea". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/KR.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Religion in South Korea". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/south-korea.
- ↑ "South Korea". Encyclopedia.com. 2024-11-15. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/south-korea-political-geography/south-korea.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Religion in South Korea". Pew Research Center. 2024-07-10. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/south-korea.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "South Korea’s Catholic Heritage". Catholic News Agency. 2024-10-10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/south-korea-catholic-church.
- ↑ "South Korea’s Catholic History". Vatican News. 2024-08-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/south-korea.html.
- ↑ "Saints of Korea". Vatican News. 2024-06-15. https://www.vatican.va/saints/korea.
External links
- "South Korea". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/counties/korea-south/.
- "Catholic Dioceses in South Korea". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/KR.htm.
- "Religion in South Korea". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/south-korea.