Korean Seon, also known as Korean Zen, is a form of Buddhist practice that originated in Korea in the 7th century. It is based on the teachings of Chinese Chan Buddhism and has evolved over the centuries to become a distinct and influential school of Buddhism in Korea.

The history of Korean Seon can be traced back to the introduction of Buddhism to Korea in the 4th century. At that time, Buddhism was primarily practiced by the aristocracy and was heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian traditions. However, it was not until the 7th century that Seon began to develop as a distinct school of Buddhism in Korea.

The first major figure in the history of Korean Seon was the monk Hyecho, who traveled to China in 723 and studied under the famous Chinese Chan master Mazu Daoyi. Hyecho brought back the teachings of Chan Buddhism to Korea and introduced them to the Korean Buddhist community. This led to the spread of Chan teachings and the development of Seon in Korea.

In the 9th century, the monk Jingam introduced the practice of hwadu, or "critical phrase," to Korean Seon. This involved the use of a question or statement to focus the mind and lead to enlightenment. This practice became a central aspect of Korean Seon and is still used today.

In the 12th century, the monk Jinul emerged as a key figure in the development of Korean Seon. He emphasized the importance of both meditation and study in the practice of Seon, and he also promoted the idea of "sudden enlightenment," which is the belief that enlightenment can be attained in a single moment of insight.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Korean Seon continued to flourish and became the dominant form of Buddhism in Korea. The famous monk Gyeongheo played a significant role in spreading Seon teachings and establishing Seon monasteries throughout the country.

In the 20th century, Korean Seon faced challenges with the introduction of modernization and the influence of other religions such as Christianity. However, it continued to adapt and evolve, with figures like Seongcheol and Seungsahn playing important roles in reviving and modernizing the practice of Seon.

Today, Korean Seon remains a vibrant and influential school of Buddhism, with many temples and monasteries dedicated to its practice. It continues to attract practitioners from all over the world, and its teachings and practices have had a significant impact on Korean culture and society.