Korean Buddhism
In Korea, a unique form of Buddhism has arisen due to the geographical location, traditions and national character. Buddhism first came on in a big way in the year 372 in the Goguryeo. Two years later, in 374, the influential Chinese monk Ado came to Korea and induced the king Sosurim to adopt Buddhism. The first two temples, Seongmunsa and Ilbullansa were built in 375, after that the king had given to the order. Buddhism became established soon as the national religion of Goguryeo.
When the Daoism spread 624, began the rulers to suppress Buddhism. The influence of Buddhist monks participated in the episode greatly. The Kingdom of Baekje flourished but under the Buddhism correctly. 552 Buddhist scriptures from Baekje were sent to Japan. This paved the way Buddhism to Japan.
In Silla Buddhism rose to become the state religion. During the reign of Jinheung of ( 540-576 ) Buddhism experienced its first great flowering in Korea. The Heungnyunsa Temple was built. This temple was unique, as well as people of humble origin could be monks in it. After Silla unified the Three Kingdoms, Buddhism flourished about 250 years.
Current status of Buddhism continued under Wang Geon, the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, continued. In the whole realm pagodas and other Buddhist monuments were built. At the end of the Goryeo Empire, the Buddhist orders came in the wake of rampant corruption. A movement against Buddhism won inlet and the old system was lost in the chaos. The founder of the new Joseon dynasty presented the restored order. Seing King Yi - gye was a Buddhist, but he reduced the influence of Buddhist monks in politics. Later, the monks were treated as outcasts, but not prevented from practicing their religion. Buddhism has left a rich cultural heritage in Korea. , In the form of the Tripitaka Koreana, numerous temples, Buddha statues and other art objects
Currently, the Korean Buddhism consists mainly of the Seon line, which is closely associated with the Mahayana tradition and the Chinese Chan, from which also the Japanese Zen was born.