Buddhism was introduced to Korea in the 4th century AD and flourished through the Unified Silla (668-935) and Koryŏ (935-1392) periods. Some of the finest and most technically advanced Buddhist sculptures in East Asia were produced in Korea during this time.

Unified Silla Buddhist sculptures are similar in style to Chinese ones due to the close ties between China and Korea. Moreover, at this time many Korean monks travelled on pilgrimages to India and influences from Indian Buddhist art are also represented in Unified Silla statues. However, Korean artists soon changed the Chinese and Indian models to suit Korean taste. This is especially seen in facial expressions: Buddha images with round, smiling faces and arched eyebrows are a typical Unified Silla characteristic.

During the Unified Silla period Amitabha Buddha (Buddha of the Western Paradise) and the Buddha of Medicine were popular and many sculptures of them were made. Small figures of bronze or clay were used in ceremonies held in private homes. Larger images in stone or bronze stood in temple halls. In addition large sculptures were carved on rock faces and in caves. Both large and small bronze sculptures were normally gilded.