Indigenising Korean Christianity in the prayer mountain

• Main Author: Kim, Youngsu
• Published: Lancaster University 2011
• Subjects: 275.19
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.587538

Scholars and Korean Christian pastors have described the prayer mountains mainly from three points of view: by describing the places in detail, by criticising prayer mountains negatively as shamanising Christianity, and by providing statistical data and quantitative analysis. Few studies have explained or examined in depth why Korean Christians go to prayer mountains. This research presents ethnographic explanations and qualitative analysis based on in-depth research conducted in several prayer mountains about this question. This study outlines the relevant theories and the history of prayer mountains, and examines the purposes and consequences of visiting these mountains for Korean Christians. I have stated that prayer mountains are important venues for both indigenous pentecostalism and other Korean Christians to practise their respective religious activities. I also argue that the key function of prayer mountains is for misfortune management, which is regarded by Koreans as one of the most conspicuous features in indigenous shamanism. Therefore, the research highlights that the prayer mountain movement preserves and strengthens traditional religious and cultural features in Korean Christianity. Religious mystical experiences and the different aims in visiting the mountains according to gender are also discussed to support this claim. As a conclusion, the popularity of contemporary prayer mountains is seen to link traditional religious practices and the contemporary needs of Korean Christians.