By Diplomacy Journal Belarus Correspondent Kim Sun-ah

 

Minsk, Belarus -- On October 30, 2025, the invitational exhibition "Minwha: Искусство Кореи (Korean Beauty, K-Folk Painting)" opened with great fanfare at the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, located in the heart of Minsk, Belarus.

 

This exhibition was co-hosted and sponsored by the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee (Chairman Lee Jong-young), the Belarusian Ministry of Culture, the Belarusian Embassy in Korea, and Diplomacy Journal. Admission is free and open to the public until November 16.

 

 

This event, a significant symbol of cultural and artistic exchange between Korea and Belarus, featured 52 leading Korean folk painting artists, showcasing works under the themes of happiness, longevity, and peace.

 

Notably, 32 paintings, specially created by Korean artists for this exhibition, were donated free of charge to the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, furthering the spirit of friendship and sharing through culture and art.

 

 

Belarusian Ministry of Culture: "Deeply appreciating the charitable and altruistic acts of Korean artists"

 

The Deputy Minister of Culture attended the opening ceremony on behalf of the Belarusian Minister of Culture and delivered opening remarks, "I sincerely welcome everyone attending this meaningful event today. This exhibition, 'K-Minwha,' combines traditional Korean paintings with a modern interpretation, and the artworks were created specifically for this exhibition."

 

The Deputy Minister continued, "The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus expresses its deepest gratitude to the philanthropic and altruistic acts of the contemporary Korean artists who generously donated these works, created specifically for this exhibition, to the National Art Museum of Belarus. This is a symbol of friendship through art and will serve as a valuable opportunity to further strengthen cultural ties between our two countries."

 

 

Chairman Lee Jon-young: "Culture is another name for diplomacy... Art is a bridge connecting hearts."

 

In his opening remarks, Lee Jon-young, Chairman of the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee and President of Diplomacy Journal, stated, "Tradition is not a relic of the past, but a mirror that illuminates the present and a light that opens the future.

 

Noting that folk painting is an art of hope born from the fingertips of nameless people, and a cultural heritage embodying a philosophy of life, Lee emphasized, "I hope this exhibition will serve as a venue for true cultural diplomacy, where Korea and Belarus can connect through art and understand each other's beauty. Culture is another name for diplomacy, and art is the warmest language that connects nations."

 

Director Victoria Kuzmina: "Korean folk painting is an art of symbolism and color, a tradition of inspiration and emotion"

 

Victoria Kuzmina, Director of the National Art Museum of Belarus, expressed her gratitude in her welcoming remarks, saying, "Korean folk painting is an art form that delicately expresses human emotions through warm colors and a rich language of symbols. The 32 donated works are a valuable part of our museum's collection and will be actively utilized for future education, research, and international exchange."

 

 

She added, "I am deeply moved by the dedicated efforts and selfless sharing of Korean artists, and I am confident that this exhibition will convey a message of peace and hope through art to the citizens of Belarus."

 

The "K-Folk Painting One-Day Masterclass," held prior to the exhibition's opening, was a great success, attracting great interest from Belarusians.

 

Participants experienced the colors and lines of Korean folk painting, as well as the philosophy behind them, by painting traditional patterns on fans.

 

Approximately 30 citizens participated and, under the guidance of Professor Lee Mi-hyung of the K-Folk Painting Department at Myongji University, painted tigers, flowers, butterflies, and birds on traditional Korean fans, experiencing the barim (color spreading) technique firsthand.

 

 

Participants expressed their admiration, saying, "This was an art form that healed the soul through color and lines." The National Art Museum of Belarus announced plans to expand this program into a regular cultural education program (Korean Folk Painting Atelier).

 

A path to peace through art

The National Art Museum of Belarus, a leading art institution visited by approximately 400,000 people annually, presented this exhibition for the first time in Eastern Europe to showcase the artistry and philosophical depth of traditional Korean art.

 

Through this exhibition, Korea and Belarus presented a new model for cultural diplomacy through art, and it became a symbolic event where the people of both countries developed mutual understanding and shared peace through art.

 

 

Chairman Lee Jon-young said, "Korean folk painting is not simply painting, but an art of the heart, a brush that paints peace. I hope that through this exhibition, Belarus and Korea will connect through the light of culture."

 

Exhibition Title: Minwha: Искусство Кореи (Minhwa: Korean Beauty, K-Folk Painting)
Period: October 30, 2025 – November 16, 2025 (Free Admission)
Location: 2nd Floor, National Art Museum of Belarus
Host: World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee
Organizer: Damwha Cultural Foundation, Diplomacy Journal
Sponsors: Belarusian Ministry of Culture, Belarusian Embassy in Korea
Participants: 52 artists
Donation: 32 works
Special Program: K-Folk Painting One-Day Masterclass (Participation by approximately 30 Belarusian citizens)

 

The Korean delegation included Lee Jon-young, Chairman of the Diplomacy Journal and Chairman of the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee; Kim Jong-bak, Vice Chairman of the Diplomacy Journal (CEO of Sejoong Travel); Kim Dong-hyun, Director of the General Planning Office at Diplomacy Journal; Choi Dong-ho, Director of Special Feature Department at Diplomacy Journal; Kim Sun-ah, Correspondent for Diplomacy Journal; and Lee Mi-hyung, Professor of the Department of Korean Folk Painting at Myongji University, Professor Choi Byung-hwan of Myongji University, and Kang Seok-won, CEO of KS Gallery.