Since Buddhism was transmitted to Korea, Bhiksuni (比丘尼) played a social and religious role alongside monks.
In the Silla (新羅) Dynasty, doyunarang (都唯那郎) who directed the Bhiksuni Samgha (比丘尼僧伽) with the rank next to sung tong (僧統) who held the highest rank in the Samgha (僧伽) demonstrating the Bhiksuni's high social status.
From the beginning of the Koryo (高麗) Dynasty, there were innumerable Bhiksuni who had endeavored in devoted ways for their society with ascetic practices under the aegis by the royal family.
The policies on Buddhism in the Choson (朝鮮) Dynasty could not escape Confucian pressures. But thanks to the royal family's liking of Buddhism, monks acted as intermediaries between temple and royal court, benefitting society.
Bhiksunis were able to succeed as practitioners, as proselytizers, as temple builders, and as those who widely benefitted society throughout history.
