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Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in North Korea

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North Koreans are traditionally practitioners of Buddhism and Confucianism in its earlier years. In the 18th century, Christian missionaries came to the land and spread Toman Catholicism. However, since the leadership of Kim Il Sung in the 1950s, North Koreans have not practiced religious activities as the Juche ideology has been inculcated in them.

The Juche ideology or “self-reliance” is placing much belief on a human being. This particular ideology has been taught to each and every citizen in North Korea – young and old, men and women, and even the children. It is also taught in schools for the students to learn about it even when they are still young. As a result of deep inculcation of the ideology in each citizen, they have all treated Kim Il Sung as the Supreme Being, as evidenced by them thanking him every single day, in everything that they do.

According to local stories, Kim Il Sung and his family has descended from the heavens and came down on Mt. Paektu. There they transformed into human beings and came to lead the country of North Korea.

People who fled from the country to China, South Korea, and other countries said that it is required of them to place portraits of Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il in the best walls of their house. The families who are so much loyal to the Party even bow down to the portraits. More importantly, it is required of them to worship Kim Il Sung with all their hearts even after his death. To the North Koreans, this strong belief on Kim Il Sung has become a religion in a sense.