Detailed information about North Korean Religious beliefs.

The official religion of North Korea is an ideology called Juche. Juche is a philosophy developed by North Korea's leader Kim Il-sung. Juche emphasizes the individual's ability to control his own destiny and save himself. This ideology has shaped North Korea's political, economic and social system. There are several officially recognized religions in North Korea. These include Buddhism, Shamanism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Chondoism, a Korean shamanism developed in North Korea. However, religious freedoms in North Korea are limited and under strict government control. Official religious beliefs in North Korea are combined with Juche ideology. Juche emphasizes loyalty to the leader of the North Korean people, loyalty to the state, and belief in socialism. The North Korean government encourages a level of religious admiration and worship for its leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Religious activities in North Korea are strictly supervised and controlled. The government allows religious activities to take place only in certain places and under certain conditions. Clergy are appointed and strictly regulated by the government. The clergy's commitment to political ideology and loyalty to leaders are primary. Religious beliefs and practices in North Korea are not truly independent and free as they are under the ideological control of the government. The government attempts to harmonize religious beliefs with Juche ideology, and therefore religious beliefs and rituals are carried out under state control. However, there are also those among the North Korean people who adhere to their religious beliefs. These people practice their religious beliefs in secret and operate outside of society. However, such activities can be dangerous due to the risk of being caught and can have serious consequences.