Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

These days, interest in the quality of life and in cultural events have grown. For the purpose of the propagation of Buddhism, more and more temples use cultural measures. A Cultural mission could be defined as missionary works using cultural measures. In cultural missions, music concerts at temples have played important roles since 1990. But, music concerts at temples have been rarely studied. This study describes concepts and types of cultural missions, the origin of temple concerts, and characteristics of the audiences. And then, their attitudes toward the temple concerts are examined. To do this study, cultural missions are categorized by the participation levels of the audiences and whether they are linked to other missionary programs. Also, audiences are classified by their religions and cultural preferences. Through comparisons of this typology, the missionary effects are analyzed. Based on the results, this study provides several suggestions relating to temple concerts. Temple concerts have positive influences not only for existing Buddhists but also for non–uddhists, especially those who are interested in Korean traditional music and classic music. For existing Buddhists, temple concerts provide a strengthened Buddhist identity and religious pride. For non– Buddhists, temple concerts provide better understanding of the Buddhist culture and help the non–uddhists to have a positive attitude toward Buddhism.