SOUTH KOREA-Impressions 1, Freedom Of Religion

South Korea has been one of my favorite countries in the past 10 years. I had 5 different invitations there as an artist. In 2014 I spent even a month teaching painting in a few cities.

In the autumn many temples transform into big beautiful gardens full of autumn flowers, glowing statutes made out of paper, or sometimes there are trees build out of flowers. Visitors can come also at the evening.

Korea is a country where all the world's major religions, Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam, peacefully coexist with shamanism.

Freedom of religion in South Korea is provided for in the South Korean constitution.

All citizens shall enjoy freedom of religion.
No state religion shall be recognized, and religion and state shall be separated.
Moreover, any discrimination based on a citizen’s religious belief is strictly forbidden.

In ancient times, shamans were the trusted advisors to Korean kings and queens. The Confucian hierarchy that has dominated Korea since the Joseon Dynasty has demonized shamans, but their influence has never truly ended. In fact, since 2005, there has been a global resurgence of interest in Korea’s oldest religion.

There are also really good fortune teller cafes. I did convinced my Korean friends to bring me there. They were skeptical. There was a lovely older lady in a cozy tea house, who came to us, I gave her my birthday information and she created a kind of Korean astrological reading only on paper. I had horoscopes done for me in many places in the world and I truly believe in astrology. It was a great experience. Everything I was told was right on the spot. My Korean friends were blown away and requested readings too. They give you one year guarantee. If one year later you are unhappy with what you have been told, you can come back with the paper they give you, and receive a new free reading.

The profession of a modern shaman has become something normal in South Korea. Many companies need their help for business and personal issues.

Religion in South Korea is characterized by the fact that an absolute majority of South Koreans (56.9% as of 2015) have no formal membership in a religious organization.
Korean shamanism, also known as "Muism" and "Sindo" or "Sinism" is the native religion of the Koreans.

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