By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

The K-folk painting project, which reinterprets the beauty and value of traditional Korean folk paintings in a modern way, has been launched at Myongji University in Seoul and is attracting great attention. 

The theme of the project, “K-folk painting heralds the beginning in Myeongji,” is an ambitious attempt to promote Korean folk painting culture to the world and establish it as a global cultural content, showcasing a unique artistic world that blends tradition and innovation.

K-folk painting project to globalize traditional Korean folk paintings

Myeongji is a region that boasts deep roots in Korean folk art, with a long tradition and history. Based on this, Myongji University is in full swing with the K-folk painting project, which aims to reexamine the artistic value of folk paintings, reinterpret them from a modern perspective, and expand them to the global stage. In this project, artists and researchers from the Myongji region are collaborating to explore various aspects of folk paintings and express them in a novel way that combines digital technology.

In particular, the project includes exhibitions and experience programs using cutting-edge technologies such as AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality), giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy folk tales in a new way. 

In this way, folk paintings have gone beyond traditional art forms to harmonize with modern times, bringing them closer to domestic and international audiences.

Myongji University K-folk painting exhibition until Dec. 1

To commemorate the launch of the K-folk painting project, a special exhibition of folk paintings is being held at Koinonia Hall on the first floor of MCC at Myongji University. 

Under the guidance of Professor Lee Mi-hyung, head of the Department of Cultural Content, the Institute for Adult & Continuing Education of Myongji University, the exhibition features more than 100 works and provides an opportunity to experience the tradition and contemporary changes in Korean folk paintings.

“Folk paintings are more than just paintings, they are a precious cultural heritage that captures the lives and thoughts of Koreans. Through this project, we hope to showcase the beauty and philosophy of Korean folk paintings to the world, and to make them more widely loved,” said an official in charge of the exhibition.

 Myungji leading the globalization of Korean traditional arts

Myongji University will continue to lead the globalization of Korean traditional arts through various cultural projects. The K-folk painting project is just the beginning, and through continued research and collaboration, the university will continue to reinterpret the value of traditional Korean art in a modern way and expand it into global cultural content.

The exhibition is open until December 1, and anyone interested in folk paintings is welcome to visit and feel the breath of Korean tradition and its modern transformation.

Don't miss this opportunity to rediscover the beauty and potential of Korean folk paintings.

Inquiry: Myongji University MCC Koinonia Hall Exhibition 
Period: Nov. 20-Dec. 1, open to the public and free of charge