South Korea Daoism and Buddhism
Eighth-century granite Buddha, Sokkuram Grotto, near Kyongju
Courtesy Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Washington
Daoism, which focuses on the individual in nature rather than
the individual in society, and Buddhism entered Korea from China
during the Three Kingdoms period (fourth to seventh centuries
A.D.). Daoist motifs are seen in the paintings on the walls of
Koguryo tombs. Buddhism was the dominant religious and cultural
influence during the Silla (A.D. 668-935) and Koryo (918-1392)
dynasties. Confucianism also was brought to Korea from China in
early centuries, but it occupied a subordinate position until the
establishment of the Choson Dynasty and the persecution of
Buddhism carried out by the early Choson Dynasty kings
(see
Social Structure and Values
, this ch.).
Data as of June 1990
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