General Information - Korean Buddhism

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/buddhism.cfm

Buddhism Buddhism has a long history, originating in India over 2,600 years ago. Travelers introduced the religion to Korea around the fourth century A.D. Since that time, Buddhism has greatly influenced Korean society, culture, and the arts. Modern Korean Buddhism involves more than 10,000 temples and 20,000 monks. More than 900 of the temples are over 50 years old. The Travel Guide spotlights some of the more famous and interesting ones. Fifteen million Koreans (about one-third of the population) believe in the religion. Of the 18 different sects in Korea, the Chogye sect represents close to 90% of the country's devout. It includes the Seon (also known by its Japanese name of Zen) and Kyo schools. The second largest group, T'aego, comprises 7% of the total and allows its monks to marry.

Korean monks are starting to market traditional Buddhist ceremonies and ascetic practices as cultural products. Some temples admit tourists for a closer look at what goes on inside a monastery. These summer training courses let guests withdraw from the chaotic earthly world and live like true monks for five days. Though physically demanding (rigid schedules for very early morning meditation and prayers), this experience is seen as an opportunity for participants to recharge themselves by sampling a monastic lifestyle. For more information, contact the Korea National Tourism Organization: (02) 7299-615~7 (tel), (02) 757-5997 (fax).

	View our recommended books and videos about Buddhism.
	Visit famous temples in the Travel Guide section.
	See more pictures in the Scenes of Korea section.