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To what extent did the religion, ethnicities, and languages of the South Korean region change because of its exposure to other cultures?

By elysemeerdink27
  • 2000 BCE

    ANTIQUITY

    ANTIQUITY
    In *antiquity, the inhabitants of the *Korean Peninsula were ethnically Korean, spoke the language *Old Korean, and practiced various religions. The languages and ethnicities of South Korea have stayed virtually the same with the Korean language and ethnicity dominating the region. However, religions practiced in ancient times vary from the religions practiced today. Ancient religions were more focused on beliefs such as *animism, *shamanism, and *ancestor worship.
  • 108

    The Han Dynasty conquers Choson

    The Han Dynasty conquers Choson
    The Chinese culture influenced South Korea's language when the Chinese came to conquer the kingdoms of South Korea in 108 BC. During this time the kingdom of *Choson was overthrown by the armies of the *Han Dynasty. As the Chinese arrived they brought their writing system (*Hanzi) with them. Due to this, the Korean language alternatively known as *Hanja consists mostly of Chinese characters. These Chinese characters are incorporated into the Korean language even today.
  • 301

    Chinese introduce Buddhism

    Chinese introduce Buddhism
    When *Buddhism was exposed by the Chinese to South Korea in the 4th century CE, it greatly changed the religious structure of the country. Buddhism first arrived from China when South Korea was divided into 3 kingdoms. The religion first took hold in the Korean kingdom of *Koguryo, then slowly spread into the 2 other kingdoms. The new faith flourished in the 660's CE after the union of South Korea by *Silla. Even today, Buddhism remains one of the most practiced religions in South Korea.

  • Koreans come into contact with Europeans

    Koreans come into contact with Europeans
    During the mid-1600s, South Korea was exposed to Europe, which influenced the country religiously. During this time, Korean *diplomats came into contact with the Europeans when they traveled to China. The Korean diplomats brought back many things, including literature about Christianity. However, in 1758, the practice of Christianity was officially banned by the King. However, Korean Christian converts continued to practice in secret, and as a result, the religion spread.

  • TODAY

    TODAY
    In South Korea, almost all the people are ethnically Korean, the language Korean is spoken by 98% of the population, and 56% of the population is non-religious. This makes South Korea the most *ethnically homogeneous country in the world. Only 2% of the population speaks a language besides Korean. As far as religion goes half the population identifies as non-religious and the rest practice other religions such as *Buddhism (15%) and *Christianity (28%).