Religious Policy in Colonial Korea and the Connection between Japanese and Korean Buddhism in the 1920's to 1930's(<Special Issue>State and Religion)

Abstract

The Governor General of Choson tried to direct Korean religions and Christian missionaries to be pro-Japan through acts and regulations such as "Jisatsurei" (The Temple Act) and "Fukyo Kisoku" (The Regulation of Religions) in Korea during the colonial period (1910-1945). The authorities also aimed to have Japanese religions be introduced and permeate into the Korean Peninsula by a policy of extension of suzerain. This article attempts to survey the religious policies and activities of Japanese and Korean Buddhism in the period of "Cultural Rule" which started after the 3.1. Independence Movement, and relaxed the freedom of association and publication as well. We will look at the basic concept of religious policy and the intervention with regard to religions by the Governor General of Choson, the actual situation of the social activities of Japanese Buddhism and Korean Buddhism's internal movement, and negotiation on these matters with Japanese Buddhism and authorities.