Korean Seon, also known as Korean Zen, is a form of Buddhist practice that originated in China and was later introduced to Korea in the 7th century. Over time, Korean Seon has evolved and developed its own unique characteristics, influenced by the cultural and social context of Korea.

One of the major changes that occurred in Korean Seon was the shift from a monastic-centered practice to a more lay-oriented one. In the early stages, Korean Seon was primarily practiced by monks and was heavily influenced by Chinese Chan Buddhism. However, as Buddhism spread to the masses in Korea, lay practitioners began to play a more significant role in the practice of Seon. This led to the development of a more accessible and practical form of Seon, which focused on everyday experiences and the integration of meditation into daily life.

Another significant evolution in Korean Seon was the incorporation of indigenous Korean beliefs and practices. As Buddhism spread throughout the country, it encountered traditional Korean shamanistic practices and beliefs. These elements were gradually integrated into Korean Seon, resulting in a unique blend of Buddhism and indigenous Korean spirituality. This fusion of different traditions gave birth to new forms of Seon practice, such as the "Nine Mountain Schools" and the "Nine Cloud Schools," which incorporated elements of shamanism and Confucianism.

Korean Seon also went through a period of decline during the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), due to political and social upheavals in Korea. However, it saw a revival in the early 20th century with the introduction of new schools, such as the "Modern Seon" and the "Pure Land Seon," which focused on making Seon practice more accessible to the general public. These new schools emphasized the use of chanting and other devotional practices, making Seon more inclusive and appealing to a wider audience.

In the modern era, Korean Seon has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times. With the rise of technology and globalization, new forms of Seon practice, such as online meditation sessions and international Seon retreats, have emerged. There has also been a renewed interest in traditional Seon practices, such as the "Hwadu" method, which involves the use of a specific question or phrase to focus the mind during meditation.

In conclusion, Korean Seon has evolved significantly over time, from a monastic-centered practice to a more lay-oriented one, incorporating elements of indigenous Korean beliefs and practices, and adapting to the changing cultural and social landscape. Despite these changes, the core principles of Korean Seon, such as the emphasis on meditation and the pursuit of enlightenment, remain unchanged.