For prosperity For marital harmony

Example 4:Bujok (talisman; amulet) for good luck and protection from evil spirits

For getting a job For conception

For acing the exam

Talisman comes in two types: 1) one acts as a good luck charm; and 2) the other works to protect from evil

or bad luck. It commonly has a yellow background

with red symbols or characters. It is believed that evil spirits dislike the

colors of gold and yellow. Red represents blood or fire, and

psychologically it means the color of life and emotion.

Of course, talisman is a universal phenomenon, including those found in cultures of the economically advanced nations.

Examples are as follows:

An Omamori, a Japanese amulet

A crucifix, considered in Christian tradition as a defense

against demons.

Four-leaf clover is believed to bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. Approximately

1 in every 10,000 clovers has the four-leaflet form

LUCKY DICE, W-BONE & CLOVER CHARM

It is believed that a horseshoe hung on a door with the two ends

pointing up will bring good luck

These modular bracelets, popular in Europe and N.A., consist of a chain onto which different

beads or 'charms' can be put.

Other variants of amulets in Korea:

남녀간의 영원한 사랑을 바라는 부적입니다 .

For everlasting love

Example 5: Tiger: Represents vigor, chivalry

Example 6:Buddhist Swastika: Auspiciousness

The Buddhist symbol ( 卍 ) represents an auspicious sign in Buddhism.

It is considered to have omnipotent godly power, as well as the meaning of the whole universe.

Seokgatap

Dabotap

Interior of a Buddhist Temple

Gagwonsa, known as the Temple of Bronze Sitting Buddha, near Chenon-Asan 

Three Buddha statues within Jogyesa Temple

Electric candles in Jogyesa Temple 

Yeonjuam, one of the temples atop Gwanaksan. 

Example 7:The Cross

Out of these symbols, the most important cultural symbols are those of Buddhism and Christianity, which are two largest religions in Korea.

According to 2005 census, Buddhism is the largest religion with nearly 11 million adherents, followed by Protestantism with 8.6 million followers and Catholicism with 5.1 million adherents.

Table 1. Religious Population in South Korea (in thousands; percentage of total population)

1995 2005

Buddhist 10,321 (23.2) 10,726 (22.8) Protestant 8,760 (19.7) 8,616 (18.3) Catholic 2,951 (6.6) 5,146 (10.9) Confucian 211 (0.5) 105 (0.2) Won Buddhist 87 (0.2) 130 (0.3) Other Religions 268 (0.6) 247 (0.5)

No Rel. Affiliation 21,953 (49.3) 21,865 (46.9) Source: National Statistical Office (1997, 2006).