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How did Buddhism and Confucianism influence Goryeo society?

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In Goryeo society, Buddhism and Confucianism functioned as complementary pillars that shaped both the spiritual and political life of the kingdom.1

Buddhism was widely embraced by the aristocracy as a source of spiritual fulfillment and personal happiness. The state actively supported the religion, constructing grand temples to observe rituals and pray for national prosperity. Its influence was pervasive, and the dynasty produced significant cultural achievements, such as the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the most complete editions of the Buddhist canon.12

Confucianism served as the foundation for the state’s political precepts and ethical principles. The government established the Gukjagam, a national academy, to promote Confucian education, and utilized civil service examinations to recruit capable officials and consolidate central control.12

In the later Goryeo period, a new class of scholar-officials (sadaebu) emerged who held traditional Buddhism in disdain. These scholars adopted Neo-Confucianism, which offered a metaphysical approach to understanding the universe. Their dissatisfaction with the existing political and land-distribution systems eventually led to reforms that ended the Goryeo dynasty in 1392 and ushered in the Joseon dynasty.3