Koreans' Traditional View on Death

Koreans' traditional view on death has been much influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and shamanism since ancient times. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of the real life in this world and highly praises doing good deeds for the family and the community. It also praises people who are enlightened by education and self-discipline. Confucian scholars admit that death cannot be understood by rational thinking although it is unavoidable as a cosmic order. Taoism sees life as the same entity as death; Both are two different aspects of the same cosmos or the wholeness. However, the disciples of Taoism became much interested in a long life and well being that may be achieved by harmonizing with the cosmic order. Buddhism thinks that death and life are an "illusion". It says that people can be enlightened by recognizing the fact that "Nothing is born and nothing is dying in this world. Everything is the product of your mind occupied with false belief." However, secular Buddhists believe in the afterlife and metempsychosis of the soul. This belief is sometimes connected with the view of the traditional shamanism. Shamanism dichotomizes the world between "this world" and "that world". After death, the person's soul travels to "that world", where it may influence life of people who reside in "this world". And shamans who are spiritual beings living in "this world" mediate souls and living people. In conclusion, there are various views and beliefs regarding death, which are influenced by a number of religions and philosophies. They should be seriously considered when making a medical decision regarding the end of patients' life.

한국인의 전통 죽음관

한국인의 전통적 죽음관은 유교, 불교, 도교, 그리고 샤머니즘의 깊은 영향을 받았다. 유교에서는 죽음이 모든 생명이 겪는 자연스러운 운명이며, 죽음을 고민하기보다는 현세의 삶에 충실할 것을, 도교에서는 삶과 죽음이 크게 다르지 않으니 자연에 순응하여 살아갈 것을, 그리고 불교에서는 삶과 죽음이 모두 허상임을 깨달으면 궁극적인 진리에 도달하여 죽음을 극복할 수 있다는 가르침을 배웠다. 이러한 사상들은 한민족 고유의 샤머니즘과 결합하여 현세를 중시하지만 사후세계와 윤회전생을 믿는 태도를 낳기도 하였다. 이러한 모습들은 역사를 통해서 매우 다양한 내러티브들로 나타나며 현대 한국인들이 죽음을 맞는 모습에도 여전히 큰 영향을 미치고 있다.