Social Engagements of Korean Buddhism in the COVID-19 Pandemic with Reference to Hoguk Bulgyo

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the events of 2020. These events are the focus because it was the first year of the outbreak of COVID-19 and their first occurrence. First, I examined the occurrences that led to the spread of COVID-19 among various Korean religious groups, such as the Shincheonji and the Sarang Jeil Church, and the social engagements of Korean Buddhism, focusing on the cancellation of the Yeondeunghoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) and the postponement of the Bucheonim Osinnal (Korean Vesak Day). Notably, the Yeondeunghoe was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2020 as a major event of Korean Buddhism that has continued from ancient times to modern society. In addition, instances of active participation in Korean Buddhism were discussed, including Korean-ordered guidelines for visiting temples, active participation in on-line versions of various Buddhist events, and non-face-to-face events. Furthermore, we discussed that the active engagements of Korean Buddhism are not temporary phenomena that suddenly appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are based in the unique “Hoguk Bulgyo” (patriotic Buddhism) of Korean Buddhism that has continued from the Three Kingdoms period to the Goryeo period, Joseon period, and modern period.