Buddhism's journey to Korea began centuries after its origin in India. Through the Silk Road, Mahayana Buddhism reached China in the 1st century CE and subsequently entered Korea in the 4th century during the Three Kingdoms Period, eventually being transmitted to Japan. In Korea, Buddhism was adopted as the state religion by the Three Kingdoms: Goguryeo in 372 CE, Silla in 528 CE, and Baekje in 552 CE.^[51] Shamanism, the indigenous religion of Korea, coexisted harmoniously with Buddhism, allowing its teachings to be incorporated. Three pivotal monks instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Korea were Malananta, who brought it to Baekje in 384 CE; Sundo, who introduced it to Goguryeo in 372 CE; and Ado, who brought it to Silla.^[52]

During its early years in Korea, Buddhism was widely accepted and even became the state ideology during the Goryeo period (918–1392 CE). However, its influence waned during the Joseon era (1392–1897 CE), which spanned over five centuries, as Neo-Confucianism emerged as the dominant philosophy. It was only when Buddhist monks played a crucial role in repelling the Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592–98 that the persecution against them ceased. Nonetheless, Buddhism remained relatively subdued until the end of the Joseon period.

Post the Joseon era, the role of Buddhism in Korea experienced a resurgence, particularly during the colonial period from 1910 to 1945. Buddhist monks not only contributed to the end of Japanese rule in 1945 but also embarked on significant reforms of their traditions and practices, emphasizing a unique religious identity. This period saw the rise of the Mingung Pulgyo ideology, or "Buddhism for the people", which was centered around addressing the daily issues of the common man.^[53] After World War II, the Seon school of Korean Buddhism regained its prominence and acceptance in Korean society.