Buddhism in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: Heritage, Politics, and Diplomacy

Abstract

This article examines the role of Buddhism in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. Since the DPRK is a sovereign state founded on the national communist ideology of Juche, its entire religious system is completely subordinated to the party leadership. For a long time, Buddhism as a religious institution was perceived by the government as a direct, potential opponent. However, since the 1970s, when the DPRK began to actively establish diplomatic contacts with other countries, Buddhism began to be recognized as an important part of the cultural heritage of Koreans, which could be utilized in the sphere of interstate diplomacy. Currently, two government agencies are responsible for Buddhism in the DPRK: the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korean Buddhist Federation. Buddhism is institutionalized and controlled by the party apparatus; clergy are generally perceived as civil servants, rather than spiritual figures. This is also reflected in the appearance of monks: until recently, they did not shave their heads and wore business suits. At the beginning of the 21st century, Buddhism became an important tool in establishing a dialogue with the Buddhist communities of the DPRK and other countries of the Buddhist world, in connection with which North Korean monks are gradually adjusting their activities. Buddhist contacts contribute to the easing of tensions not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also in the countries of South, East and Southeast Asia as a whole. This also corresponds to Russia’s strategic interests in the Far Eastern region, which makes it possible to outline specific paths for sustainable, tolerant interstate cooperation, using the Buddhist institution as a practical instrument of modern diplomacy in Asia.