REL 41.06 Buddhism in Korea and Japan: From Tribute Missions to Temple Tourism

Buddhism has long been an established religious tradition and important aspect of cultural heritage in both Korea and Japan. However, there are key differences in how Buddhism developed and how the religion functions today. In South Korea, most people classify themselves as Buddhist or Christian; in Japan, the majority consider themselves non-religious, yet visit Buddhist temples and hold Buddhist funerals; in North Korea, roughly 10,000 Buddhists remain in spite of religious persecution by the state. Clerical marriage is widely accepted in Buddhist sects throughout Japan, whereas the practice has been the subject of heated debate in South Korea since the 1950s. How did these differences emerge, and what common ground remains?

Cross Listed Courses

ASCL 61.08

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Dist:TMV; WCult:NW

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