Buddhism was introduced to Korea from China during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE). It thrived due to royal patronage and the efforts of several influential monks who played pivotal roles in spreading Buddhist teachings, philosophy, and culture. These monks were not only spiritual leaders but also scholars, diplomats, and artists. In the article below, World History Edu presents some of the most renowned monks from ancient Korea.

Marananta (마라난타)

Era: Goguryeo and Baekje Kingdoms

Marananta is credited with introducing Buddhism to Korea. In 384 CE, he brought the teachings to Baekje, where it quickly gained royal approval. King Chimnyu formally adopted Buddhism as the state religion, leading to the construction of temples and the spread of Buddhist practices. Marananta’s legacy is seen as the foundation for the rich Buddhist culture in Baekje.

Wonhyo (원효, 617–686)

Era: Unified Silla Kingdom

Wonhyo is one of the most celebrated monks in Korean history, known for simplifying complex Buddhist teachings to make them accessible to ordinary people. He emphasized the philosophy of Hwajaeng (화쟁), or “harmony of disputes,” which sought to unify different Buddhist schools. His writings, such as Commentary on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, influenced Buddhist thought in Korea, China, and Japan.

Wonhyo famously abandoned his journey to study Buddhism in China after a spiritual awakening in a cave, realizing that truth is within and does not require travel to attain.

Uisang (의상, 625–702)

Era: Unified Silla Kingdom

Uisang was a contemporary and close friend of Wonhyo. He is regarded as the founder of the Hwaeom (화엄) school of Korean Buddhism, which emphasized the interconnection of all phenomena. After studying in China, he returned to Korea and established the Hwaeom teachings.

Jajang (자장, 590–658)

Era: Unified Silla Kingdom

Jajang is known for systematizing Korean Buddhism and establishing its institutional framework. After studying in China, he brought back relics, including Buddha’s bones, which became a symbol of Buddhist faith in Silla. He also helped create the Silla monastic code and established the Tongdosa Temple, where the relics were enshrined.

Hyecho (혜초, 704–787)

Era: Unified Silla Kingdom

Hyecho is renowned for his extensive travels. His journey to India and Central Asia is documented in the Wang ocheonchukguk jeon (An Account of Travels to the Five Indian Kingdoms). This travelogue provides invaluable insight into the Buddhist world during his time, including descriptions of Indian society, culture, and Buddhist practices.

Gyeongheo (경허, 1849–1912)

Although not ancient, Gyeongheo is often associated with the continuation of the meditative traditions established by earlier monks. His revival of Seon (Zen) practices was heavily influenced by earlier figures, demonstrating the enduring impact of ancient Korean monks on later generations.

Seongnang (성랑)

Era: Goguryeo Kingdom

Seongnang played a pivotal role in bringing Buddhism to the Goguryeo court, where it became a key cultural and religious force. He emphasized meditation and doctrinal studies, laying the foundation for Goguryeo’s Buddhist practices.

Jinpyo (진표, 8th Century)

Era: Unified Silla Kingdom

Jinpyo emphasized the importance of precepts (戒) in Buddhist practice. He played a central role in the development of the Beopseong school, which focused on moral discipline and ritual. Jinpyo’s influence can still be seen in Korean Buddhist traditions that prioritize ethical conduct.

Doseon (도선, 827–898)

Era: Later Silla Kingdom

Doseon was a monk and geomancer who integrated Buddhist teachings with Pungsu (풍수), the Korean adaptation of Chinese geomancy (feng shui). He believed that the spiritual energy of the land could influence the success of Buddhist practices and the kingdom. Doseon advised rulers on temple construction and city planning, emphasizing harmony with natural forces. His ideas greatly influenced Korea’s architectural and spiritual landscapes.

Muyeom (무염, 801–888)

Era: Later Silla Kingdom

Muyeom was a monk and royal advisor who focused on meditation and interreligious harmony. He served as a spiritual guide to the Silla court and promoted unity among Buddhist schools.

Muyeom’s work symbolized the unifying role of Buddhism in a politically fragmented Korea.

Questions and answers

What role did Buddhist monks play in ancient Korea?

Buddhist monks were pivotal in shaping state and religious affairs in ancient Korea. They introduced Chinese cultural elements, spread Buddhist teachings, founded influential sects, and acted as royal advisors. They significantly contributed to literature, printing, and architecture.

Who was Marananta, and what was his contribution to Korean Buddhism?

Marananta was a 4th-century monk of Indian or Serindian origin credited with introducing Buddhism to Korea. In 384 CE, he arrived from the Eastern Jin state and propagated Buddhist teachings in the Baekje Kingdom, laying the foundation for its acceptance and growth.

How did Ichadon secure Buddhism’s acceptance in the Silla Kingdom?

Ichadon, a Silla court official, persuaded King Beopheung to allow his martyrdom to eliminate resistance to Buddhism. According to legend, his execution resulted in miraculous events, such as white blood flowing, which led to the formal acceptance of Buddhism as a state religion.

What were Jajang’s key contributions to Korean Buddhism?

Jajang was a Silla monk who went on a pilgrimage to Mt. Wutai in China, where he received Buddha’s relics and sacred texts. He founded the Vinaya school, standardized Buddhist practices, and supervised the construction of Hwangnyongsa’s nine-story pagoda. He also established Tongdo Monastery to enshrine Buddha’s relics.

Why is Wonhyo regarded as Korea’s most celebrated scholar-monk?

Wonhyo emphasized unity among Buddhist schools through his philosophy of Hwajaeng (“harmony of disputes”). After a spiritual awakening, he abandoned his journey to study in China and wrote over 80 treatises. He founded the Dharma-nature sect and made Buddhism accessible to common people, promoting a path to nirvana without asceticism.

What makes Hyecho’s travels significant?

Hyecho was a Silla monk who traveled to India and Central Asia, documenting his experiences in Record of a Journey to the Five Indian Kingdoms. His travelogue provides a detailed account of Buddhist practices and diverse cultures, showcasing Korea’s role in international Buddhist networks.

What were Uicheon’s contributions to Buddhism and scholarship?

Uicheon, a royal prince turned monk, attempted to unify Seon and Kyo Buddhism. He contributed to the Tripitaka Koreana, a monumental Buddhist scripture compilation, and earned the title of National Teacher (Guksa) for his scholarly efforts.

What was Uisang’s contribution to scholastic Buddhism in Korea?

Uisang studied in China and founded the Hwaeom School in Korea, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things based on the Flower Garland Sutra. He established Buseoksa Temple and developed scholastic Buddhism, contributing significantly to Korean Buddhist thought.

What is the significance of Pomnang in Korean Buddhism?

Pomnang introduced Seon (Zen) Buddhism to Korea after studying in Tang China. This meditative practice became a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism, focusing on achieving enlightenment through meditation rather than textual study.

What is Jinul’s legacy in Korean Buddhism?

Jinul unified Seon and Kyo Buddhism under the Jogye Order, emphasizing “sudden enlightenment followed by gradual cultivation.” He introduced koans to inspire enlightenment and made meditation central to Korean Buddhist practice. Jogye Buddhism remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Korea today.