The Tripitaka Koreana, one of the most complete editions of the Buddhist canon, was published in the first part of the Koryŏ period. The generally extravagant life of the aristocracy led to the flowering of art—particularly ceramics, such as the renowned Koryŏ celadon.
Nevertheless, the Koryo dynasty produced some of the finest cultural and artistic achievements in Korea's history. The capital of Kaesong was one of the world's most impressive cities. Koryo kings ordered the construction of hundreds of Buddhist temples and the creation of countless religious artworks.
