Buddhism entered Korea during the 4th-5th centuries AD. According to the Samguk Sagi (Records of the Three Kingdoms), Buddhism was officially recognised first in the northern kingdom of Koguryŏ (in 372), then in Paekche (in 384) and finally in Silla (in 527). In each case its actual introduction from China is likely to have been somewhat earlier. In the early 6th century Buddhism was disseminated eastwards to Japan, initially from Paekche, but also from Silla and Koguryŏ.

In the Unified Silla period Buddhism flourished and dominated culture and society at all levels. Monarchs, aristocrats and common people practised Buddhism. Monks travelled on pilgrimages to China and further afar to India and brought back Buddhist texts, relics and other sacred objects. The most eminent of all Unified Silla monks, Wonhyŏ (617-86), succeeded in combining the doctrines of different Buddhist schools and established a uniquely Korean form of Buddhism.

Temples and pagodas were constructed and many Buddhist images were made with the support of the royal court and the aristocracy. Sŏkkuram is the most important temple that was built at this time. Sŏkkuram means 'stone-cave-hermitage' and is a small man-made cave temple located on Mount Toham, east of Kyŏngju city in the southeastern part of the peninsula.