The introduction of Buddhism into Korea from China in the 6th century had a tremendous impact on Korean art and culture. The production of bronzes, based on Chinese prototypes, became a primary art form and Korean art and architecture was shaped by the influence of Buddhism.

Korean art represents a melding of Chinese influences and native artistic traditions. Korean potters were inspired by Chinese celadons of the Song period, but they developed their own distinctive technique of inlaid decoration. Korean painters emulated China's Northern Song artists or experimented with Zen brush painting and innovative styles of calligraphy, but the individualism of the Korean artist emerged in their use of bright colors and lively, secular themes.

In several key instances, Korea has been the catalyst for change in the Japanese culture. The first introduction of Buddhism into Japan took place when a Korean king sent a gilt bronze figure of Buddha to the emperor of Japan. Korean potters introduced the use of more sophisticated kilns to Japan, discovered sources of kaolin there which led to the production of porcelain, and introduced some of the basic shapes of Japanese pottery, like the tea bowl, which is really a Korean rice bowl.