The founder and first king of the Koryŏ dynasty, Wang Kŏn (reigned AD 918-943 ), attributed his success in founding the dynasty to the protective powers of the Buddha. He declared Buddhism the state religion and the influence of Buddhism is seen in all areas of Koryŏ art and society. Monasteries grew rich in wealth, land and political power. They earned capital by producing and selling goods and also received lavish donations from the royal and aristocratic families who hoped it would gain them merit.

Many objects and paintings were made for use in the Buddhist ceremonies that were regularly held in temples and in palaces. Buddhist influence is also seen on the decorations on many objects that were used in daily life, such as ceramics. For example, lotus flowers, which are a Buddhist symbol of purity, were a popular motif.

Some Buddhist works were made to protect the nation against foreign invasions. Under the king’s order, the entire mass of Buddhist scriptures was printed in the 11th century, when the country was threatened by invasions led by the Khitan people. The copying, writing and printing of Buddhist scripts is considered an important meritorious deed. In the late Koryŏ period elaborate sutras (sermons attributed to the Buddha) written in gold and silver ink were made.