Park Kwang-soo

By Chung Ah-young

The Research Center of Religions of Wonkwang University will hold an academic seminar Friday to examine the roots of Korean spiritual cultures embodied in indigenous religions.

Under the theme of “Gaebyeok Thoughts and Spiritual Civilization of Korean Modern Religions,” the seminar will explore the legacy of modern spiritual civilizations through homegrown religions such as Donghak, Jeongyeok, Jeungsangyo and Suwoongyo which emerged at the dawn of modern Korea.

Gaebyeok is a term which means opening a new era through new creation with the advent of a new utopia for the Korean Peninsula and its people.

“The theme will be dealt with as part of intensive research on Korea’s historical landscape and thoughts. It is also necessary to reinterpret Korean modern religions as part of ideological discourses in the 21st century,” Park Kwang-soo, director of the center, said.

The event is expected to reaffirm that homegrown religions are based on the same thought “gaebyeok” to further extend the spectrum of the thoughts of Korean indigenous beliefs and religious cultures for the future.

The seminar will consist of theme-based presentations by Kim Hong-chul on Korean indigenous religions; Kim Yong-hee on Donghak; Song Jae-guk on Jeongyeok; Yang Eun-yong on Won Buddhism; Lee Kyung-won on Jeungsangyo and Lee Chan-goo on Suwoongyo, all with focus on gaebyeok.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 29 at Sungsan Memorial Hall of the university in Iksan, North Jeolla Province.