While Japan and Korea share many similarities, one of the significant differences is religious beliefs. I noticed this during my visit to Kitaguchi Sengen Shrine at the foot of Japan’s most sacred mountain, Mt Fuji.

As I wandered through the shrine surrounded by thousand-year-old trees, it exuded an aura of mystery, filled with spiritual energy and sanctity in nature. During my time there I came to understand why Japanese people hold a profound belief in the spiritual connections to the natural world.

From a Korean perspective, it was a completely new experience, providing insights into the different ways these neighboring countries express religious practices and spiritual beliefs.

Shinto, Japan’s most influential religion is rooted in ancient folk beliefs and indigenous faiths that have deeply permeated Japanese daily life since ancient times.

In Korea, there is no dominating religion. As Shamanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity all have significant influences on life and culture today.

Japan shrines vs. Korean shrines

Shinto, based on animism, believes that spirits inhabit all natural objects, even small rocks or animals, and extends to ancestral spirits, meaning there are countless gods.

On the other hand, shrines in Korea were mostly established to honor and worship deceased kings, great generals, scholars and family ancestors during the Joseon Dynasty influenced by Confucianism.

Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine is a notable one as it served Joseon royalty and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Building a shrine for ancestors is no longer custom in Korea, although many Koreans still perform ancestral rites at home during holidays or specific days.

Preserved ancient faiths: Animism vs. Shamanism

Both countries continuously practice indigenous faiths from ancient times till now. While Shinto influences Japanese culture deeply, Shamanism continues to play a part in many Koreans’ lives. Japan also has Shamanism but is not as common as it is in Korea.

Many Koreans often consult shamans for guidance about their futures during significant events. Shamans perform a ceremony called “gut” to interact with spirits or get rid of bad ones. Shamans usually inherit their roles within descent, serving ancestral spirits or specific gods. It is believed that those who resist may experience inexplicable illnesses or unusual phenomena until they accept their calling.

Place to pray and seek solace

Though Japan has Buddhist temples, I see that shrines in Japan play a similar role to temples in Korea, as both are easily found and open year-round to welcome visitors to pray for their wishes and seek solace

Shrines in Japan can be commonly found in cities, mountains and various locations across the country. Japanese people visit shrines for coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings, to purify their hearts, make wishes for the New Year or during crucial life events such as important exams.

In Korea, numerous Buddhist temples can be found throughout the country. Buddhism once governed Korea as the national religion for over a thousand years and continues to actively influence many. Monks reside in these temples, usually located in mountainous areas to be away from the secular world. When hiking, Koreans can easily visit them to seek peace of mind, solace, or to pray for their wishes, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Buddhism in Japan and Korea

Both Japan and Korea have a rich Buddhist heritage, but practices differ. In Japan, which is Shinto-centered, Buddhism coexists with Shinto and incorporates many of its aspects. Many Japanese embrace both religions, celebrating key life events at Shinto shrines and holding funerals at Buddhist temples. Japanese temples are found in both urban and mountainous areas. In modern times, many Japanese temples are not open year-round and are often operated by monks who inherit the temple as a family business, focusing on special events like funerals.

In contrast, Korean Buddhism maintains traditional practices and temples are run by full-time monks who live a disciplined, meat-free, and ascetic life. Korean temples are places of meditation and purification for all visitors.

Etiquette at a Japanese shrine - by Takahiro Takiguchi

Passing through torii gate

It is believed that torii gates are a symbol of the boundary between holy grounds and the secular world. As sign of respect, we need to bow toward the main shrine once before passing through the gate. And be sure to walk through on the side, yielding to the deity who is supposed to walk through the torii in the center.

Purify yourself

Any Shinto shrine has a “Temizusha” (literally, house of washing hands) on the grounds. We are supposed to purify ourselves at the fountain before approaching the main shrine by taking a ladle with water and rinsing both hands and mouth.

Praying, bowing and clapping

When we proceed to the main shrine hall, we take off our hats and offer prayers or make wishes. At most shrines, we bow once and toss a coin into the offering box, bow deeply twice and clap our hands twice, make the wish/prayer, then bow deeply one more time.

We believe a five-yen coin (called “goyen”) is good to toss, because goyen sounds like goen (connection/ties) with the gods.  So, shrine goers usually prepare a lot of 5-yen coins.

Etiquette at a Korean temple

Leave secular world behind

A temple is a place to worship Buddha and find peace away from the secular world, so it should be quiet and solemn. Loud talking is not allowed. There is no specific dress code, but highly revealing clothing is discouraged. Avoid public displays of affection if you’re a couple. It is polite to refrain from any secular activities as much as possible.

Entering the sermon hall

Anyone can enter the sermon hall and come to bow. When entering the main hall where Buddha’s statue is placed, use the side door rather than the front, as the front door is reserved for great monks. Leave your shoes neatly outside. Also, taking photos inside of the hall may be restricted.

Upon entering, put your hands near your heart, the palms facing each other and bow towards Buddha. This bow called “hapjang banbae” (합장 반배–half bow) is a way of greeting to show respect to Buddha and monks.

Performing “Sambae” (삼배-three bows)

Find a comfortable spot to do your bows, but avoid sitting directly in front of the Buddha since it’s reserved for monks. When performing bows, five parts of your body should touch the ground: your forehead, both elbows and knees.

Firstly, kneel with your hands and bow your head while flipping your palms up and raising them to ear level. Then, flip your hands back to the floor, raise your upper body, and stand up from the kneeling position. Repeat this process three times. While bowing, make a heartfelt wish or offer a prayer for your spiritual growth. When leaving, do “hapjang banbae (half bow)” again towards Buddha.

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