Korean Buddhism

Korean Buddhism began in the 4th century CE during the Three Kingdoms Period. It started centuries after Buddhism originated in India and traveled through the Silk Road to China before reaching the Korean peninsula. From Korea, Buddhism was later transmitted to Japan.

An image of Gautama Buddha at Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju, in South Korea

In Korea, Buddhism became the state religion of three kingdoms: Goguryeo in 372 CE, Silla in 528 CE, and Baekje in 552 CE. Korean Buddhists tried to solve problems they saw in the Mahayana Buddhist traditions they received from other countries. They created a new, holistic approach called Tongbulgyo, which means "interpenetrated Buddhism." This approach aimed to bring together different ideas and resolve disputes among scholars.

Today, Korean Buddhism is mostly made up of the Seon Lineage, mainly represented by the Jogye and Taego Orders. Korean Seon is closely related to Chan and Zen traditions. Other groups, like the Cheontae lineage, the Jingak Order, and the newer Won group, also have many followers. Korean Buddhism has had a big influence on Buddhist thought in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Tibet.

Historical overview and development

Arrival and spread of Buddhism

Monks going down to their rooms after evening prayers at Haeinsa

Buddhism came to Korea in the year 372, about 800 years after the time of the Buddha. Before this, many people in Korea practiced shamanism, which involved worshipping nature spirits. Three important monks helped bring Buddhism to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period. They were Malananta, who came to Baekje in 384 CE; Sundo, who came to Goguryeo in 372 CE; and Ado, who came to Silla. Because Buddhism did not go against the old beliefs of nature worship, it was allowed to mix with shamanism. This is why many Buddhist temples today are built on mountains that were once considered sacred.

For a time, Buddhism was very popular and even became an important part of the government during the Goryeo period. But later, during the Joseon period, a new idea called Neo-Confucianism became more important, and Buddhism faced many difficulties. It wasn't until Buddhist monks helped fight against invaders from Japan that things began to improve for Buddhism again. After World War II, a new idea called Minjung Pulgyo, meaning "Buddhism for the people," helped Buddhism grow once more. Today, many people in both South and North Korea are influenced by Buddhist ideas, even if they don't practice it as a religion.

Buddhism in the Three Kingdoms

Main article: Three Kingdoms of Korea

Buddhism came to Korea in the 4th century CE when the land was divided into three kingdoms: Goguryeo in the north, Baekje in the southwest, and Silla in the southeast. Korean monks traveled to China and India to learn more about Buddhism, bringing back many important writings and ideas.

During this time, several schools of Buddhist thought grew in Korea. These included groups focused on understanding deep teachings, following moral rules, and exploring ideas about peace and unity. One school, called Hwaeom, became very important and lasted a long time. Korean Buddhism had a big effect on how Buddhism developed in Japan, especially during the time of the Unified Silla kingdom.

Buddhism in the North–South States Period (668–935)

In the eighth century, Korean Buddhism and its teachings were linked with prosperity.

Unified Silla (668–935)

In 668, the kingdom of Silla brought together the whole Korean peninsula, creating a time of peace that lasted about one hundred years. This peace led to a golden age of learning about Buddhism in Korea. People studied many important ideas, such as Wonyung, Yusik or East Asian Yogācāra, Jeongto or Pure Land Buddhism, and the Korean idea of Beopseong ("Dharma-nature school").

Wonhyo taught about the Pure Land way of yeombul, which became very popular with everyone. His work tried to bring together different Indian and Chinese Buddhist ideas using the Essence-Function way of thinking. This helped shape the main Korean Buddhist thought, called Beopseong, Haedong, or later Jungdo.

Wonhyo's friend Uisang traveled to Chang'an to study with teachers there. When he returned after twenty years, his work helped grow Hwaeom Buddhism. This idea also mixed into the Korean meditation tradition called Seon, changing how people practiced there.

A stone image of a Buddha, near Gyeongju, South Korea. 7th century Silla.

The smart work of Silla Buddhism led to many wonderful creations in art, writing, and building. During this time, many big and beautiful temples were built. Two famous ones are the temple Bulguksa with its shining pagodas and the cave Seokguram, known for its lovely stone carvings.

Balhae (698–926)

Buddhism also grew strongly in the northern Korean kingdom of Balhae after the fall of Goguryeo, serving as the country's official religion. Experts have found pieces from ten Buddhist temples in the old capital of Balhae, along with statues and lanterns, showing how important Buddhism was in daily life. The Balhae tomb Majeokdal near Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province, shows Buddhism also played a big role in ceremonies for the dead.

After Balhae fell, sixty monks, including Jaeung, moved to the new kingdom of Goryeo (918–1392).

Seon

Main article: Korean Seon

A new time for Korean Buddhism started in the later years of Silla with the rise of Korean Seon. In China, a way of practicing through quiet thinking, called Chan Buddhism, began in the sixth and seventh centuries. Soon this idea reached Korea, where it became known as Seon. Many people in Korea learned this quiet way of practicing from China and started their own groups in quiet mountain places. At first, there were nine groups, called the "nine mountain schools". Most of these groups came from the teachings of Mazu Daoyi, but one group, started by Ieom, came from the Caodong school.

Buddhism as state religion in the Goryeo period (918–1392)

Korean painting of Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara, 1310 CE, ink on silk, painted by Umun Kim

Rise of the Seon

During the Goryeo period, Buddhism helped support the government. New Seon schools faced resistance at first but gradually gained acceptance. Over time, Seon became very important, receiving support from the rulers and powerful people.

Hwaeom (Huayan) and Seon

Taegeuk

While many Buddhist schools lost influence, the Hwaeom school stayed active. One important monk, Gyunyeo, worked to bring Hwaeom and Seon closer together. Another monk, Uicheon, brought a new school called Cheontae from China, adding to the variety of Buddhist teachings.

Jinul

The most important Seon leader was Jinul. He saw that Buddhism was getting mixed up with everyday matters and wanted to clean it up. Jinul created a quiet community of devoted monks at Songgwangsa mountain. He taught that enlightenment can happen suddenly, followed by gradual practice, and used a special meditation method called hwadu. His ideas helped unite different Buddhist views.

Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa

Late Goryeo

Later in the Goryeo period, Buddhism faced challenges, but it still produced great teachers. Three famous monks—Gyeonghan Baeg'un, Taego Bou, and Naong Hyegeun—learned new methods in China and taught them in Korea. They also studied other philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism. A major achievement was creating the first woodblock printing of Buddhist writings, known as the Tripitaka Koreana, with the second copy still preserved today at Haeinsa in Gyeongsang.

Suppression under the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910)

In 1388, a general named Yi Seonggye took control and started the Joseon dynasty in 1392. He and his followers favored a different belief system, which led to tough times for Buddhism. The number of Buddhist schools was reduced, and many rules were made to limit Buddhist practices.

Dalmado by Gim Myeong-guk, 17th century

Even with these challenges, Buddhist ideas continued to grow. A notable Buddhist thinker named Gihwa wrote many important books defending Buddhism and explaining its ideas. During this time, the number of Buddhist temples dropped a lot, and there were many restrictions on Buddhist monks and nuns. However, some leaders still supported Buddhism. One key moment came when Buddhist monks helped defend Korea against invaders from Japan in the late 1500s. Their efforts were important in pushing back the invaders.

A monk named Seosan Hyujeong was very important during this time. He helped bring together different Buddhist teachings and practices. His work influenced many Buddhist teachers who came after him.

Buddhism under Japanese colonial rule

Buddhism and independent Korea (1945–present)

When Korea was freed from Japanese control in 1945, Buddhist monks who did not marry began taking charge of temples. The Jogye Order became the largest Buddhist group in Korea, while the Taego Order was the second largest and kept many traditional rituals.

Typical interior of a Buddhist temple

In modern times, Korean Buddhism has been changing. Some monks and nuns live in mountains for training, while others work in temples or teach. The way people practice Buddhism in Korea today mixes old traditions with new ideas.

In North Korea, the government does not support religion much, but some Buddhists still practice quietly. In South Korea, Buddhism faced challenges from leaders who favored other religions, but it has grown again through new schools, media, and efforts to connect with people. Some conflicts have happened between different religious groups, but many people are working to build peace and understanding.