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The beauty of Korean art lies in simplicity, spontaneity and a feeling of harmony with nature. It values tenderness, a sense of balance, serenity and harmony. It is distinguished for its simple and elegant composition. Koreans have long valued simplicity, tenderness, a sense of balance, serenity and harmony, as is seen in art from East Asia. But Korean art is associated with the concept of naturalism, exhibiting a profound connection with the artist’s natural environment in its non-complex and harmonious composition. It is distinguished for its simple and elegant composition.

The art of Korean ink painting, known as sumukhwa or chwihanju, is a traditional art form that has been practised for over a thousand years in East Asia. In the course of Korean history, ink painting has been influenced by Chinese style and Japanese style. But over time, like other Korean art forms such as pottery, found its own unique Korean style. Also known as the Koreanization’ of Korean art.

Korean painting has a long history. Dating all the way back to the Korean tomb paintings, that were found in the Goguryeo tombs. They display dancers, hunting and spirits. Until the Joseon dynasty the primary influence was Chinese painting done with Korean landscapes, facial features, Buddhist painting. And an emphasis on celestial observation in keeping up with the rapid development of Korean astronomy. During the Golden Age of Korean painting (the mid-to-late Joseon period), Confucianism predominated. And even though Korean painting has been influenced by Chinese and Japanese styles, it still pursued its own path in the world of art.

Nature has always had a prominent place in Korean art. The Korean term for landscape paintings, sansu, even translates as ‘mountains and water’, because landscape paintings almost always feature these two elements. Mostly seen in the form of great mountain peaks with a waterfall or luscious hills along a winding river. They are part of the ten longevity symbols known as shipjangsaengdo. The Korean appreciation of nature has a rich history and is seen throughout Korean culture. Dating all the way back to the tomb paintings of the Goguryeo kingdom, with a peak in the Joseon (Chosŏn) dynasty also called Yi dynasty, when it evolved as a major genre. But we will start with the Goryeo (Koryŏ) period.

Until the Joseon dynasty, the Chinese influence was prominently visible in Korean art. Which meant, for instance: Chinese painting done with Korean landscapes. But even though Korean painting has been influenced by Chinese, Japanese and European styles, it always pursued its own path.

Major events affect art, and art affects events. The interconnectedness of history and art is ever present in the art world. Wars, liberation, discoveries, freedom or censorship all have a big influence on art and tells us a lot about a culture, and it’s history. So in order to answer the question; what is traditional Korean painting, we need to travel trough time.