WHEN KOREA TURNED CHRISTIAN?| Revelation FYTube

“The transformation of Korea into a predominantly Christian nation is a fascinating tale that unfolds over centuries, marked by resilience, opposition, and the complex interplay of religious, political, and societal forces. In this exploration, we delve into the historical journey of how Christianity took root in Korea, examining the initial encounters with European missionaries, the clandestine survival during periods of persecution, and the subsequent rise to prominence. From the early seeds planted in the 17th century to the present, where Christianity plays a pivotal role in South Korea’s cultural and political landscape, this narrative uncovers the unique dynamics that shaped Korea’s religious identity.” “The Republic of Korea, one of the four Asian tigers and possessing one of the strongest economies in the world, has a deep and rich culture that has developed through centuries of history.”
“Yet, concerning faith, most practicing Korean people would tell you that they are Christian—a belief foreign to the land.”
“How did this alien faith come to grow as the main religion in Korea? As you will see, the development of Christianity in the heart of the Koreans is a story of wall pride and hope in relation to the tumultuous events of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.”
“I’m your host, Vincent, and welcome to Caspian Report. Feel free to visit my channel if you wish to see more of my content; links will be provided below.”
“Contrarily to its historical neighbor China, Christianity reached Korea quite recently in history. The first Christian teachings to enter the Korean Peninsula appeared in the land in 1603, at the time the nation was in control of the Joseon dynasty—a vassal kingdom to the great Ming Empire of China, where European missionaries had been actively working for several decades, distributing both scientific knowledge and their faith.”
“A great number of missionaries were proselytizing in the capital Beijing. Korean diplomats dispatched to China could therefore encounter them upon their return. They brought back the Catholic texts they had found there. This new religion found a steady ground in the Chosun lands, and many destitute Koreans converted to this new faith. The regions of Hong Yi and Gangwon saw particular development of Catholicism.”
“The Chosun dynasty was, however, culturally a Confucian and Buddhist nation. Christianity found opposition, especially in the elites and academics who only swore by these ideologies. By 1758, King Yeongjo outlawed the cult, branding it as an evil practice. Nonetheless, despite the ban, plenty of Koreans continued to practice their new faith in clandestinity. It was, however, more of a sect at the time as there were no priests nor institutions.”
“In 1783, Yeess England, a young Korean nobleman accompanied his diplomat father to bait. Fascinated by the knowledge of the Jesuit priests he met there, he began learning their teachings and was baptized as Peter the year after. In defiance of the ban, he brought back to Korea several texts, crucifixes, and religious objects which, in turn, helped to baptize many more Koreans. Lay priests instead of clerical preachers and the usage of the practical Hangul script rather than classical Chinese allowed Catholicism to spread easily throughout the land and people.”
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