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

There are two approaches to periodizing Buddhist history in the Joseon Dynasty. According to one, Buddhism steadily declined throughout the Joseon period following official policy of early Joseon, while the other approach divides Buddhist history into before and after the Imjin War (1592-1598). Both these approaches simplify Buddhist history in the Joseon Dynasty a great deal. The approaches do not draw on empirical material, but are strongly influenced by modern notions of colonialism, nationalism, etc. In particular, Takahashi Toru has had a big impact by claiming a decline of Buddhism throughout the Joseon Dynasty. After liberation from Japan, scholars have stressed that Buddhism was revived on the occasion of the Imjin War. However, there is much and diverse material that can be used to study Buddhist history in the Joseon Dynasty. When a comprehensive analysis of the material available is undertaken, the conventional periodization often does not fit. In particular, while Buddhist policy changed repeatedly, most material on changes in policy is from the 16th century and early 17th century. As the relationship between the state and Buddhism waned, the production of several materials decreased significantly in the 19th century. When taking into consideration these Buddhist policy changes, the trend in the production of material and recent research, Buddhist history in the Joseon Dynasty can be divided into four periods: the early, middle, late, and closing periods. I expect that this periodization can deepen the discussion on Buddhist history in the Joseon Dynasty and achieve critical reflection on research methods and perspectives.