Bulgyo Sinmun: The Voice of South Korean Buddhism
In the landscape of South Korean spiritual media, Bulgyo Sinmun stands as a primary source of information and guidance for the Buddhist community. Operated by the Jogye Order, the newspaper serves as a vital tool for missionary work, bridging the gap between ancient teachings and the modern public through the written word.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 1, 1960, originally as Daehan Bulgyo.
- Owner: The Jogye Order.
- Current Editor: Ven. Wonheo (as of 2026).
- Language: Korean.
- Primary Purpose: Document-based missionary work and Buddhist news.
The Evolution of Bulgyo Sinmun
The publication was established on January 1, 1960, under the name Daehan Bulgyo. The Jogye Order founded the paper after recognizing that documents and print media were essential for effective missionary work—the act of spreading Buddhist teachings to the wider population.
The newspaper's journey has not been without challenges. In 1980, the publication was forcibly shut down by the government, a move partly attributed to the events of the October 27th Buddhist Persecution. However, the publication was revived on December 21 of the same year, emerging with its current name, Bulgyo Sinmun.
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Impact on Buddhist Publishing
Bulgyo Sinmun is credited with a significant shift in the industry by reducing the publishing cycle of Buddhist newspapers from monthly to weekly, allowing for more timely reporting and engagement. Its frequency has evolved over the decades; while it was published twice a week starting in 2003, it transitioned to a once-a-week publication schedule in 2021.
Cultural Contributions and Leadership
Beyond news reporting, the publication fosters artistic and literary growth within the community by hosting an annual spring literary contest. This initiative encourages new voices to contribute to the Buddhist literary tradition.
The leadership of the paper has seen several distinguished figures. While Ven. Cheongdam served as the first editor, the publication is currently led by Ven. Wonheo as of 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Name | Daehan Bulgyo |
| Founding Date | January 1, 1960 |
| Governing Body | Jogye Order |
| Current Editor | Ven. Wonheo |
| Current Frequency | Weekly (since 2021) |
| Official Website | https://www.ibulgyo.com/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns and operates Bulgyo Sinmun?
Bulgyo Sinmun is owned and operated by the Jogye Order, one of the primary Buddhist denominations in South Korea.
What was the original name of the newspaper?
The newspaper was originally founded on January 1, 1960, under the name Daehan Bulgyo.
Why was the newspaper shut down in 1980?
The government forcibly shut down the publication in 1980, partly due to the October 27th Buddhist Persecution.
How often is Bulgyo Sinmun published?
As of 2021, the newspaper is published once a week. Previously, it had been published twice a week starting in 2003.
Does Bulgyo Sinmun support the arts?
Yes, the publication hosts an annual spring literary contest to support and promote Buddhist literature.