Did you know?: Religions in South Korea

(Stripes Korea)

South Korea’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, so public displays of worship and religious activity are common not just in churches or temples, but even in subway stations or on the street. While most Koreans don’t affiliate with any religion, 20% are Protestant Christians, 17% are Buddhist, and 6% are Catholic. Christianity, though not traditional, is considered the country’s primary religion with numerous Protestant churches scattered across the country. Historically, Buddhism was the national religion for over a thousand years, followed by Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shamanism still shape Korean culture.