Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Religion in South Korea - statistics & facts
South Korea is one of a few countries in the world where both Christmas and Buddha鈥檚 birthday are observed as public holidays. It is a multi-religious society, with Christianity, Buddhism, and various other religions coexisting alongside shamanism. Over the past century, Christianity has experienced substantial growth in South Korea, with approximately 20 percent of the population identifying as Christian. Buddhism closely follows, representing around 16 percent of the country's population. The rapid expansion of Christianity in South Korea is particularly noteworthy given the country's deep historical ties to Confucianism. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable shift in the religious landscape in recent years, especially among the younger generation, who are gradually turning away from religious affiliations.
Meanwhile, shamanism, as the only indigenous religion in the country, has continued to play a significant role in the daily lives of Koreans. A survey conducted in 2023 found that nearly 40 percent of religiously unaffiliated Korean adults and 50 percent of Buddhists had consulted a fortune-teller within the past year. This behavior was also found in a smaller yet significant percentage of Christians, at about 30 percent.聽
The religious landscape of South Korea
South Korea does not have an official state religion. The Constitution of South Korea explicitly prohibits religious discrimination and guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens, which is largely respected in practice. Christianity is the largest religion in the country, with approximately 15 percent identifying as Protestant and about five percent as Catholic. While Buddhism has a deep-rooted history in South Korea, with its arrival dating back to the fourth century, Christianity was introduced much later in the 18th century. Despite its relatively late introduction, Christianity has gained momentum and prominence, becoming a predominant religion in modern and contemporary Korea. With over 21,000 missionaries serving in 197 countries, South Korea is also known as one of the biggest 鈥渆xporters鈥 of Christianity worldwide.Meanwhile, shamanism, as the only indigenous religion in the country, has continued to play a significant role in the daily lives of Koreans. A survey conducted in 2023 found that nearly 40 percent of religiously unaffiliated Korean adults and 50 percent of Buddhists had consulted a fortune-teller within the past year. This behavior was also found in a smaller yet significant percentage of Christians, at about 30 percent.聽
Atheism and agnosticism on the rise
South Korea appears to be a religious society, but the number of people who do not identify with any religion is rapidly increasing. The share of the religiously unaffiliated population聽has grown from 43 percent in 2004 to about 63 percent in 2023. In a survey conducted in 2023, around 35 percent of South Koreans reported that they were raised in a religion but no longer identified with one. Among 70 countries surveyed, South Korea had the second-highest rate of religious disaffiliation. The decrease in the school-age population due to the low fertility rate, coupled with younger generations becoming less affiliated than previous generations, has been considered a significant factor contributing to the decline in the overall size of the religious population in the country.
