Religious Disaffiliation and the Religious Identity of Koreans: Focusing on “Religious Nones” and “Meditation”
摘要
Modern society is undergoing an accelerated process of secularization, marked by a widespread phenomenon of religious disaffiliation—a shift to which South Korea is no exception. Data from a 2021 survey conducted by Gallup Korea reveals that nearly 60% of the South Korean population self-identify as religiously unaffiliated, a group commonly referred to as “religious nones.” The high proportion of religious nones, the rapid growth of their population, and the rising indifference of younger generations toward organized religion are critical factors for understanding the distinctive characteristics of Korea’s religious nones. Paradoxically, amidst this trend of religious disengagement, Templestay programs and “meditation” practices have gained notable popularity. Templestay, organized by Buddhist temples, offers participants an opportunity to engage directly in traditional Buddhist practices. Moreover, in recent years, the practice of meditation has been increasingly integrated into various secular domains in Korea, including healthcare, education, and psychological counseling. This remarkable development may be conceptualized as both an effort toward emotional healing and a pursuit of an “expanded (religious) identity.” While individuals often engage with religious places and practices to explore profound existential dimensions and seek mental and physical healing, they deliberately refrain from embracing a distinct religious identity. In this respect, this movement can be interpreted as an exploration of (religious) identity among Korea’s religious nones.