In Seoul
RELIGIOUS conflict between Buddhists and Christians is rare in a country which provides for religious freedom under its constitution. About 20 per cent of South Koreans are Buddhists while one in three profess to be a Christian.
Buddhism has a long history in the country with several of its temples being designated as the nation’s cultural treasures. Christianity came into Korea via Western missionaries in the late 19th century who set up schools, charities and hospitals. Their social contributions and assistance in the independence movement against Japanese colonial rule endeared them to the Koreans, many of whom became Christians.
The political involvement of Christians in South Korea took off during the pro-democracy movement of the 1980s when they played a key role in overthrowing the military dictatorship and setting up the current democratic system.
So why the current conflict in South Korea?
The furore came as a result of the perception that President Lee Myung Bak, a devout Christian, favours his faith over others. The appointment of church friends to top official posts and an online government transportation guide that only highlighted churches had raised the ire of the Buddhist community.
Things came to a head when two police officers stopped and searched the trunk of the car carrying the head monk of the country’s largest Buddhist Order. Read Seoul government's "partiality" riles Buddhists.
the Jogye-sa Temple in Seoul this morning.
Source: AFP