Korean Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

This article presents the activities of Seonhakwon and assesses their significance in the development of modern Korean Buddhism. Seonhakwon was established in November 1921. Korean Buddhism was under the control of Japanese colonial regime at that time. Seonhakwon, through diverse activities, played the role of a central agency of the zen order in Korean Buddhism and made significant contributions to the development of Korean Buddhism. Its contributions are especially significant in two points. Firstly, Seonhakwon contributed to continuation of the tradition of Korean Buddhism, against the Japanese colonial regime's attempts to transplant Japanese styles into it, by advocating Ven. Gyeongheo's legacy, who revived and faithful to Korean Zen Buddhist tradition. Secondly, on the other hand, Seonhakwon contributed to the modernization of Korean Buddhism: It employed a systematic mode of administration; established a system of autonomous temple economy; and socialized Buddhism through its engagement in activities regarding social issues.