AD 935-1392 Koryo

General Wang Kŏn (AD 877-943) founded the Koryŏ dynasty in 918. He had a vision of restoring the glory of the ancient Koguryo kingdom and created a new capital at Songdo (modern Kaesŏng), much farther north then the Silla capital at Kyongju. In 935 the Silla king surrendered to Wang Kŏn, firmly establishing Koryŏ control. Wang Kŏn issued ten rules for future rulers of Koryŏ. Three of them concerned Buddhism, which formed the basis of the new kingdom. According to Wang Kŏn the success of the country depended on the protecting powers of the Buddha. With the support of the Koryŏ court and aristocracy Buddhism flourished and many outstanding Buddhist works of art were made.

Shamanism, geomancy and Confucianism were practiced alongside Buddhism. They served different purposes in society. Geomancy (sometimes better known as fengsui) is the art of choosing good sites for cities, buildings and graves. The site of Songdo was selected after geomantic principles. Confucianism is a social and political philosophy, which stresses moral virtue, respect and loyalty. It had an important role in government affairs.

After having enjoyed peace and prosperity for more than 300 years, the country was ravaged by Mongol armies who invaded the country six times between 1231 and 1257. In 1270 peace was negotiated with the Mongols, resulting in the Mongol occupation of Korea, which lasted until 1392.