North Korea is a reclusive and almost inaccessible dictatorship, but it stands as one of the few remaining countries in the world that professes adherence to a single state-enforced religion. To understand the religious life of ordinary people in the hermit kingdom, it is essential to understand the long and complex history of the various religions in North Korea.
Most North Korean citizens today live in a country where atheism is the official state ideology, but religious practices are still pervasive. In the past, religions like Buddhism and Confucianism heavily influence Korean culture, and those religions still exist today. Buddhism, the main religion of Korea since the 4th century CE, is practiced by a minority in North Korea. The majority of Buddhists are found in eastern regions near the border with South Korea, where there are more resources available for religious practice. Confucianism, the major philosophical system of Korea since the 17th century, is still practiced in North Korea, although not as widely as in the past. The Confucian principles of loyalty and respect for authority are ubiquitous in North Korean society.
In addition to these two historic religions, North Korea is home to a number of unique and modern religions. One of the most popular is the Juche religion, an ideology tied to the North Korean government’s self-reliance and independence. Juche emphasizes patriotism and national strength, and refers to the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a “living god”. It is believed that the North Korean government uses Juche to control the population, and these beliefs form the basis of North Korea’s religious life.
The most widely practiced religion in North Korea, however, is Chondogyo. Unlike Juche, Chondogyo does not place a priority on government control. It is a mixture of both traditional and modern religious practices, focusing on the individual’s relationship with the divine. It encourages creativity and encourages inquiry into the natural world, something rare in a dictatorship. Chondogyo practitioners also strive to help the poor and the wronged, and this emphasis on charity has made it one of the most popular religions in the country.
Despite its long and varied history, religion remains an area of mystery in North Korea. Many North Koreans are cautious about discussing their beliefs, as the government closely monitors religious activity. It is also difficult to get reliable information on the religious practices within North Korea, as the country remains largely closed off to outside research. Reliable estimates of the proportion of North Koreans who practice a particular religion are not available, either.
Main Religion in North Korea
Despite the scarcity of reliable data, one religion stands out as the dominant force in North Korean society: Chondogyo. It is the most widely practiced religion in the country, and its emphasis on charity and creativity have made it a refreshing presence in North Korea. With its stress on individual spirituality and responsibility for one’s actions, Chondogyo provides a beacon of hope for North Koreans living in a totalitarian state.
Spread of Chondogyo
Chondogyo has had an important impact beyond North Korea, as the religion has started to spread to other countries. Korean immigrants in the United States and Japan have adopted the teachings of Chondogyo and have formed their own independent religious organizations. Despite being banned in North Korea, Chondogyo is one of the few religions to break through the country’s stringent religious regulations and has become a beacon of hope for many North Koreans.
Government Attitude Towards Religion
The North Korean government is officially atheist and does not recognize religious freedom. North Korean leaders have long held negative views of religion and have attempted to stifle religious activity. This negative attitude stems from the country’s traditional Confucian roots, which frowned upon religious practice. In response to this hostility, religious groups have gone underground, often disguising themselves as political organizations in order to practice their faith.
Religious Persecution in North Korea
The North Korean government is notorious for its harsh treatment of religious adherents, particularly Christians. Those caught practising Christianity or other non-state sanctioned religions face severe punishment, such as imprisonment, torture, and even death. Many North Korean refugees have fled the country to escape religious persecution, and those who remain operate their religious practice in secret. Despite the risks, those who adhere to banned religions in North Korea remain determined to practice their faith.
Power of Religion
A number of religions command influence in North Korea, though none as much as Chondogyo. Its positive messages—particularly its focus on individual responsibility and charity—have made it an attractive option for many North Koreans. Beyond its ability to bring hope to those living in a repressive country, Chondogyo offers a glimpse into the potential power of religion, even in the most repressive of conditions.
Religious Education in North Korea
Religious education in North Korea is severely limited. Most North Koreans lack access to religious materials, as the government closely monitors the distribution of all literature. In recent years, North Korean refugees have spread religious materials and teachings throughout the country. As more of these resources become available, it is likely that the North Korean people will be exposed to religious teachings and ideas from around the world.
Hope for Future Generations
North Korea may be a reclusive and oppressive state, but its population holds on to a number of religions, each offering its own unique take on faith and spirituality. Chondogyo is one of the most prominent and the most beloved, with its message of optimism and hope reaching those in need of relief from the austerity of North Korean life. With its outreach across the borders of North Korea, Chondogyo is helping to spread its values far beyond the country’s borders, and will likely continue to do so long into the future.
