Christianity is a significant force in South Korea, with 31% of its population identifying as Christian in 2024, a stark contrast to its marginal presence in North Korea. Catholicism was first introduced in 1603 by Confucian scholars like Yi Su-gwang, who brought theological books from China, but the faith faced severe persecution by Joseon royalty, culminating in the 1866 Catholic Persecution which killed 8,000 adherents. Protestantism followed in the late 19th century, with the first church, Sorae Church, established in 1883 by Seo Sang-ryun, and American missionaries like Horace Newton Allen arriving shortly after in 1884.
After gradual growth, Christianity experienced rapid expansion in South Korea post-1945, becoming deeply intertwined with the nation's pursuit of modernity and Westernization. Christian missionaries played a pivotal role in education, founding 293 schools and 40 universities, including many top academic institutions. While Protestant growth has recently slowed due to various factors, Christianity remains a powerful cultural and educational force, profoundly shaping contemporary South Korean society.