South Korea - Art

Shin Saimdang (Painter and Calligrapher)

Dec 5, 1504

Shin Saimdang, born in 1504, was a renowned Korean artist and poet during the Joseon Dynasty. Known for her nature paintings, including "Mokhwa," she is also revered as a symbol of Confucian values like filial piety and womanly virtue.

Jeong Seon (Painter)

Feb 16, 1676

Jeong Seon, a late Joseon Dynasty painter, pioneered the "true-view" landscape style, capturing Korea's natural beauty, especially its mountains. Born in 1676 in Seoul, he is known for works like "Inwangjesaekdo" and "Geumgang jeondo," which reflect his focus on realistic landscapes.

Kim Whanki

Jul 3, 1913

Kim Whanki, a pioneering abstract painter, blended traditional Korean art with modern forms. His famous piece is "Where, in What Form, Shall We Meet Again?"

Yun Isang (Composer)

Sep 17, 1917

South Korean composer, known for his avant-garde, politically charged music. Born in Tongyeong, he spent much of his career in Germany due to political persecution. His work blends Eastern and Western traditions, with notable pieces like "Réak" and "Symphony No. 1."

Park Seo-Bo (Painter)

Nov 15, 1931

Park Seo-bo, born in 1931, is a key figure in South Korea’s Dansaekhwa movement. His minimalist "Ecriture" series focuses on "art as meditation" and has been widely exhibited.

Nam June Paik (Video Artist)

Jul 20, 1932

Nam June Paik, born in Seoul and considered the father of video art, worked from the 1960s until his death in 2006. His pioneering works, such as "TV Buddha" and "Electronic Superhighway," explore the intersection of technology, art, and media.

Seung H-Sang (Architect)

Oct 26, 1952

Seung H-Sang, a South Korean architect, is known for minimalist designs reflecting Korean identity. Notable works include "Paju Book City" and "Buyeo National Museum."

Lee Chang-dong (Filmmaker and Novelist)

Apr 1, 1954

Lee Chang-dong, born in 1954, is a renowned South Korean filmmaker known for his films "Peppermint Candy," "Oasis," and "Burning," which are acclaimed for their emotional depth and realism.

Lee Bul

Jan 25, 1964

Lee Bul, a South Korean artist, is known for sculptures like "Majestic Splendor" and "Cyborg" that explore the human body and technology.

PSY (Singer and Songwriter)

Dec 31, 1977

Park Jae-sang, known as Psy, is a South Korean singer famous for "Gangnam Style," the first YouTube video to reach 1 billion views. Born in 1977, he gained global fame in 2012 for his catchy music and viral dance moves.