By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Cheongryongdo traditionally symbolizes the east and is a representation of the Blue Dragon (靑龍), which signifies the beginning of life, growth, and new birth. In Eastern philosophy and the Five Elements of thought, the east is the direction of the wood, which represents spring and is associated with the season of renewal. The Blue Dragon is an animal that appears in spring and is depicted as a being that controls the winds and keeps the energies of nature in harmony.

The blue dragon painting is depicted with a double-headed dragon with a long tongue sticking out, flying above clouds and Indongdangcho pattern (忍冬唐草紋), creating a dynamic and lively scene. 

The clouds are connected to the sky and represent heavenly energy, while the Indongdangcho pattern is a symbol of vitality and unlimited prosperity, adding to the power and harmony of the blue dragon. This serves to reinforce the image that the existence of the blue dragon is not just a mythical symbol, but also symbolizes the harmony and vitality of nature.

The work is made in the size of 100 ho, and is made of hemp cloth with raw lacquer and then colored (painted) to create a colorful and vibrant representation of the blue dragon. Hemp cloth and raw lacquer are traditional Korean materials, and the rough texture of the hemp cloth and the deep, subtle luster of the raw lacquer enhance the mystical aura of the blue dragon. 

The lacquer is traditionally applied in layers of different colors to create a sense of depth of color, giving the blue dragon's blue body and the vibrant clouds around it a richness of color and vibrancy.

Cheongryongdo is particularly recognized for its harmonious combination of Korean aesthetics and traditional symbolism, using traditional techniques and materials while incorporating a modern aesthetic.

Exhibitions and Awards of Cheongmok Kim Hwan-kyung

1961 Joined lacquer woodworking studio
1976 Established Chaehwa Lacquerware Institute (Naedang Studio)
1979 Traveling exchange exhibition of Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese lacquerware artists
1986 The 1st Solo Exhibition of Color Lacquerware (Museum of Contemporary Art)
1989 Won the Grand Prize in the Contemporary Art Exhibition (Vase entry)
1992 Judge of the 22nd National Crafts Competition
1993 Jury member of the 4th Korea Lacquerware Competition International Ishigawa Lacquerware Design Exhibition Silver Prize for Chaewha painting vase (Ishigawa Prize, Japan)
1996 Senior Vice President, Korea Najeon Lacquerware Protection Association
1997 China Lacquerware Exchange Exhibition (National Art Center, Beijing)
1998 Appointed as a member of the cultural product development committee for the 15th National Skill Competition for the Disabled, Najeon lacquerware jury
1999 Invited artist for the International Ishigawa Lacquerware Design Exhibition
Presented a gift of a chrysanthemum pattern work to Queen Elizabeth II of England on April 20 (LG Group)
Made murals and folding screens for Lotte Hotel, Jeju Island
2000 Senior Research Fellow, Hanyang University Traditional Art Center, Invited artist to the World Lacquer Culture Association
2000 Selected as a Korean Millennium Product in the 100 Best Crafts and Cultural Products 
2001 UN Educator Award Invitational Exhibition (Lotte Jamsil Folk Art Museum) Special Invitational Exhibition (Museum of Contemporary Art)
2002 Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award for Crafts, Member of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Assessment
Invited artist to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Grand Prize in the Crafts Division of the 4th Korea National Arts Competition, Bush Presidential Champion Award
2003 Invited exhibition at the US Marine Corps Headquarters to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the US-ROK alliance
2003 Invited to the 1st International NGO Exhibition in Matoguros, Brazil
2004 Designated as Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, Advisory Board Member of the Korean Craft Artists Association
2005 Special exhibition to commemorate the designation of Cheongmok Intangible Cultural Property (Lotte Museum of Art)
2006 Korea Culture and Arts Competition, Craft Division Grand Prize (Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technology Award)
Honorary Citizenship Certificate of Appreciation, California, U.S.A., and Certificate of Merit, LA Korean Festival, U.S.A.
2008 Gyeonggi-do Skills Competition, Technical Jury Commissioner 
2009 Gyeonggi-do Skills Competition (Najeon Chilgi)
2010 Jeonju Asia Pacific Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
Made a gift for the First Ladies of the G20 Summit
2011 Seoul Intangible Cultural Property Function Preservation Association Exhibition
Chairman of Cheongmok Cultural Foundation (current)
Director of the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee (current)
2024 Won Ambassador Awards at the Philippines, Peru International Exchange Exhibitions