Korean Buddhism: History—Condition—Art

"Korean Buddhism: History—Condition—Art" by Frederick Starr is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work is based on three lectures the author delivered, exploring the landscape of Korean Buddhism, including its history, current status, and artistic expressions. The focus is on uncovering the rich tapestry of Buddhist practice, belief, and cultural heritage in Korea. The opening of the book introduces the author's journey into the study of Korean Buddhism, highlighting his experiences and observations over several trips to Korea. Starr expresses a keen interest in the historical and religious dynamics of the region, explaining that the account will be divided into three primary topics: the history of Buddhism in Korea, its current condition, and its artistic manifestations. He emphasizes the wealth of unexplored material regarding Korean Buddhism, framing his lectures as a necessary first step in bringing attention to a largely overlooked subject in the Western scholarly domain. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the historical contexts that shaped Buddhism's arrival and development in Korea.