The Phenomenon of Religious Goods Consumption Among Young Koreans

Abstract

One of the most noteworthy consumer cultures among young Koreans today is the growing interest in and consumption of religious “goods”. Interestingly, the consumption of religious goods has been observed to foster interest in religion itself among the younger generation. This phenomenon is undoubtedly significant when viewed in the context of the social climate in Korea, where there is a notable decline in religious interest with age. It can be argued that religious goods possess a deeper significance than that of mere objects of consumption. The objective of this study is to examine the phenomenon of religious goods consumption and to discuss the religiosity that it reflects in the context of the 21st century. Initially, this study examines the significance of religious goods and defines the act of consuming religious goods as a religious ritual. The mediated nature of religious goods is explored in greater depth to ascertain how they are influencing the religiousness of contemporary individuals. By connecting theories of the sociology of religion with the materiality of religions, this study reveals that the consumption of religious goods is a religious activity that extends beyond mere consumption. It also discusses the potential for the kinds of cultural and religious phenomena it could cause to develop in the future.

Keywords

• religious goods
• materiality of religions
• rituals
• Korean society and religion
• contemporary religiosity