History of Korean Buddhism

Here is an introductory glimpse in the history of Korean Buddhism. In each of the ten parts, we will look, chronologically, into how Korean Buddhism was first introduced to the Korean peninsula, how it spread, declined, and re-emerged over nearly two thousand years. We’ll first start with Korean shamanism, then we’ll explore the spread of Korean Buddhism through the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea. Then, we’ll continue on towards the state adoption of Buddhism during the Goryeo Dynasty only to be displaced and enter a dark ages of sorts during the Joseon Dynasty. Only then will we conclude with Korean Buddhism during Japanese Colonial rule and its re-emergence after the liberation of the peninsula and the inception of the Republic of Korea. I hope you’ll enjoy!

1. In the Beginning…Korean Shamanism and the Introduction of Buddhism

2. Origins – The Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C. – 668 A.D.)

3. The Exporter of Buddhism – The Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.)

4. The Emergence of a Dynasty – The Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.)

5. The Conquered – The Gaya Confederacy (42 – 562 A.D.)

6. The Zenith – The Unified Silla Dynasty (668 – 935 A.D.)

7. Excess, Invasion and the Tripitaka – The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)

8. The Dark Ages – The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)

9. The Repressed – Colonial Korea (1910-1945)

10. The Age of Renewal – The Republic of Korea (1945-Present)