Confucianism has played a significant role in Korean society throughout history. It has shaped and evolved Korean society for hundreds of years. It is still a popular influence in Korean society today, even with the introduction of westernization. Korean Confucianism is believed to have been adopted by the Korean dynasties and kingdoms in the early eras as a cultural influence from China.
Confucianism was practiced alongside religion, although it is greatly debated whether it is a religion or a philosophy. Confucianism was used as an established principle for living and dictated government rule for hundreds of years. Confuscianism doesn’t take just one form. As it spread throughout China, Japan, and Korea, it began to evolve and take its own place in society.
What is Confucianism?
Confucianism is one of the most influential philosophies developed in China over 2,500 years ago by the philosopher Confucius. The belief system laid the foundation for much of the Chinese culture and focused on inner virtue, values, respect, and morality. Those with good moral character could influence the world around them and cause “cosmic harmony” within the physical world. The link between leaders was encouraged to be moral and benevolent to lead a peaceful rule encouraging rulers within government to focus on relationships with their people of institutions.
The Adoption of Confucianism in Korea
In the 2nd century BCE, Confucianism was established as the state religion of the Han Dynasty in China. Temples were built during the Tang Dynasty and became essential for all to learn and study Confucianism. With the Song Dynasty, Confucianism began to evolve and take shape with ideas from Buddhism and Taoism, also called Neo-Confucianism. As time went on, the importance of Confucianism continued to grow. Confucianism began to spread to Korea, which at the time would trade within the northern territories.
The Goguryeo kingdom established a Korean Confucian Academy in 372 BCE, and Confucian scholars were appointed to help spread the teachings of Confucianism throughout the peninsula. Men would travel to China to learn about Confucian texts and return to Korea to further their studies to become prominent Confucian scholars.
Confucian philosophy was applied to government, education, family roles, and responsibilities. The principles within each home were practiced, especially with a focus on ancestor respect and worship. Buddhism continued to be the primary religion. Korea’s adoption of Confucianism was a sign of affinity and respect toward Chinese culture throughout history.
Confucianism in Korea Today
The philosophies of Confucius have continued to profoundly impact Korean society today and are known as the most Confucian society. Confucianism requires leaders in power to contribute using the values to lead the people and has been a major source of social and political development.
The principles people believed in working hard to produce quality work without the expectation of reward, helped boost Korea’s economy throughout difficult economic and financial hardships. Along with the philosophy, ethics, and moral standards, the nation has led to the developing of a positive, harmonious, and prosperous society.