The ultimate origin of any system of self-defense is somewhat obscure, because ever since the beginning of mankind there has doubtlessly been some form of weaponless fighting technique to preserve or secure economic necessities. Monks vocation and their isolated mode of life in mountain retreats provided ideal conditions under which the early systems could develop and spread with them as they traveled from monastery to monastery. This bordered the Chinese empire and was the first region to have Buddhist influence. The other peninsular kingdoms of the time were Paek-jae in the southwest and Silla in the southeast. Kwon Buhp was often portrayed in sculpture of temple guardian figures placed at the gates to ward off evil.
Buddhist influence is still strong in Korea.
Aside from influence from China through Buddhist channels, the most notable early influence on Korean martial arts can be traced back over 2,000 years to when the Silla nobility were training in the fighting techniques of hands and feet. The Hwa-rang became known in the Korean peninsula for their courage and battle skill, gaining praise even from bitter foes. Kwon Buhp declined as warriors faded away with the end of the Koryo Dynasty and the ascendance of the Yi dynasty in the 1400s. The Yi dynasty held learning and scholarship in higher esteem than the Military Arts and Virtues. Chinese Confucianism replaced Buddhism as the state religion, and all military arts suffered.