韓国にキリスト教徒が多いのは何が原因ですか？

What is the reason why there are many Christians in Korea?

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When Chatholicism was first introduced in the Joseon Dynasty which had a strict caste system, the Christian doctrine that said "Everyone is equal in front of God", "Everyone has to be respected regardless of their social status" impressed many people suffering from social inequality and unreasonable systems. Christianity started settling down slowly all throughout the country due to the doctrine emphasizing equality and many Korean Christians' efforts although the religion was severely oppressed and many Korean Christians were killed during the Joseon Dynasty period.

After the late 19th century when Korea was in danger, more European and American priests and pastors started coming to Korea to do missionary work. Their missionary works were focused on helping the poor by building schools and hospitals. At the risk of their lives, some of them even actively helped Koreans fight against imperial Japan so that Korea could become independence from Japan. All these deeply touched Koreans and made more people believe in Christianity.

Right after the Korean War when almost everyone was suffering from extreme poverty, many American missionaries did their best to help Korea through various charity activities such as helping Koreans rebuild destroyed schools and hospitals and build new schools and orphanages. Also, they volunteered for the medical service activities for the poor. Many of them sacrificed themselves to help Korean people. Due to all the devoted missionaries, there were already quite many Christians in Korea back then.

This is the background.