South Korea Christianity: Religion adapts in today's S. Korea

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Christianity is one of South Korea's main religions along with Buddhism. In particular, the Protestant form of Christianity has thrived in the country ever since the mid- to late-19th century when it spread with the help of Western missionaries. But after over a century, Christianity faces challenges of having to adapt to a new and modern environment. Shane Hahm explains.

Nestled in the mountains in this rural part of South Korea is Geumsan Presbyterian Church. Leading the congregation is head pastor Kim Jong-won.

KIM JONG-WON, HEAD PASTORGEUMSAN CHURCH "Cultivating another person is a job that provides the most value in one's life in my opinion. That's why I wanted to devote my life to helping develop others. In the process, I learned that reviving and developing one's spirit is the most valuable. That's how I came to study theology and become a pastor."

SHANE HAHMGIMJE, SOUTH KOREA "As you can see, this church was designed in the traditional Korean style of architecture. It first opened in 1905 with the help of U.S. missionary Lewis Tate and moved to this exact location three years later, where it's been standing ever since. Church services are still held regularly more than a century later. And, it's also been designated a local cultural asset."

KIM JONG-WON, HEAD PASTOR GEUMSAN CHURCH "Lewis Tate was a pastor affiliated with the U.S. Southern Presbyterian Church. In 1892, seven missionaries came to Korea and were delegated with preaching the gospel in this region. They established Seomun Church in the city of Jeonju. And, in addition to Geumsan Church, they worked hard to spread the gospel throughout our city of Gimje."

Government statistics show about three in ten South Koreans identify as Christian. Of that, about three-quarters are Protestant and the remaining are Catholic. In fact, South Korea produces the greatest number of missionaries in the world after the United States. But recent figures show the number of Christian believers in the country is plateauing.

Aside from Christianity, Buddhism and other shamanic and folk religions have a large following in South Korea. But census figures show a growing number of unaffiliated non-believers the past decade. As religious demographics shift, Pastor Kim says harmony and peaceful co-existence among religions is essential in modern day life.

KIM JONG-WON, HEAD PASTOR GEUMSAN CHURCH "Some have been blinded by the changing times and forgotten the true meaning of the gospel. It's true some have not lived a righteous life under the gospel. But although times may have changed, the essence of the gospel doesn't change."

Shane Hahm, CGTN, Gimje, South Korea.