The founder of Won Buddhism is Sotaesan, also known as Park Chung-bin. He was born in 1891 in South Korea during a time of great social and political upheaval. At a young age, Sotaesan showed a strong interest in Buddhism and began studying under various Buddhist masters.

However, he became disillusioned with the traditional forms of Buddhism that were prevalent in Korea at the time. He believed that these forms of Buddhism were not able to effectively address the modern issues and challenges that people were facing.

In 1916, Sotaesan had a profound spiritual experience while meditating on Mount Seorak. This experience led him to develop a new form of Buddhism that would be more relevant and accessible to the modern world. He called this new form of Buddhism "Won Buddhism," with "Won" meaning "circle" or "unity."

Sotaesan's teachings emphasized the importance of unity and harmony in both the individual and society. He believed that all beings were interconnected and that true enlightenment could only be achieved by realizing this interconnectedness. He also stressed the importance of living a virtuous and ethical life, as well as the practice of meditation and self-reflection.

In 1924, Sotaesan officially established Won Buddhism and began spreading his teachings to others. He faced much opposition and criticism from traditional Buddhist leaders, but he persevered and continued to attract followers who resonated with his message.

Sotaesan passed away in 1943, but his legacy lived on through his disciples and followers who continued to spread Won Buddhism. Today, Won Buddhism has over 300 temples and centers worldwide and continues to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of modern society.

In conclusion, Sotaesan was a visionary leader who challenged the traditional forms of Buddhism and developed a new form that would be more relevant and accessible to the modern world. His teachings continue to inspire and guide many people in their spiritual journeys, making him a revered figure in the history of Korean Buddhism.