Population distribution South Korea 2023, by religion

According to a survey conducted in South Korea in 2023, over 60 percent of respondents reported no religious affiliation, while approximately 20 percent identified as Christians and 16 percent as Buddhists.

Population of the religious community

According to a previous study, the domestic religious population seemed to decrease over time after it peaked in 2005 at almost 25 million people. Another downward trend was noticeable when comparing such people by age. Younger age groups tended to be less religious than older age groups. Looking at the gender ratio among the religious community, roughly one in two women in South Korea followed a religion. Women were slightly more represented in all religions, apart from Confucianism.

Religious activities in South Korea

According to a survey conducted in 2023, about 30 percent of religious people in South Korea participated in religious activities every week. Furthermore, a 2020 survey revealed that the general opinion was that religious organizations should have a positive impact on society. The majority of respondents believed that religious groups should organize various community service activities, closely followed by efforts to protect the socially vulnerable.