In 1999 the index of those attending Sunday Mass dropped to the 20% level from (29.5%); 15 years later it will be entering the 10% zone. In 1980 the church was at the height of its favorable opinion among the citizens, but this did not show in the devotional life of the parishioners nor in their community life.
From 1999 there has been an increase of 40.89% in the number of Catholics. However, sacramental life, group activities and religious studies have decreased. We can't base everything on these statistics but they do show direction. The future for Catholicism in Korea is not overly bright and demands some serious concern and alternative proposals.
One of the editorials mentions the 'Pope Francis effect' on the church may have some truth, but it should show in the numbers going to Mass and the Sacraments and this is not the case. Until we see the change in those who frequent the Sacraments and attend Mass, and become involved in group activity we can not speak about the 'Francis effect' in Korea, was the conclusion.
The number of priests and religious is also showing a decrease from previous years. The age of the Catholics is also increasing with the ages from 50 to 55 being the largest with 9.8%. Those under 19 have decrease to 3.6%. Those over 80, the women number 74.3%.
Korea is listed as the 46th country with the largest number of Catholics, and in Asia they are the fifth after the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Vietnam according to the Statistical Yearbook of the Church.
Numbers of those falling away from the Church is seen by the drop in those going to Sunday Mass, and the numbers who are no longer going to Confession. The task of those responsible for the pastoral work will need to find solutions to stem the tide, and new ways to evangelize those in the pews.
