By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, located in the capital city of Minsk, Belarus, grandly opened the special exhibition K-Minwha (Folk Painting): The Beauty of Korea. This exhibition showcases Korea's traditional beauty and artistic spirit.

This exhibition was prepared as a meaningful occasion to share the power of artistic communion and the depth of culture through Minhwa paintings, which embody the Korean aesthetic consciousness and sentiment. Minhwa paintings are pictures of hope born from the hands of nameless commoners and a philosophy of life. Symbols like tigers, the sun, the moon, lotus flowers, fortune, and longevity embody humanity's aspirations for peace, harmony, and happiness.

In his opening remarks, Lee Jon-young, Publisher and Chairman of the Diplomacy Journal, emphasized, “Tradition is not a relic of the past, but a mirror reflecting the present and a light illuminating the future.” He added, “K-Folk Painting transcends eras and borders, conveying Korea's warm sensibility and artistic spirit to the world. I hope this exhibition serves as a true cultural diplomacy platform where Belarus and Korea grow closer through cultural arts and understand each other's beauty.”

Chairman Lee also stated, “Art is a dialogue of the heart that transcends language, and folk painting is the ‘beauty of Korea’ that blossoms within that dialogue,” expressing deep gratitude for the dedication and passion of the Belarus National Art Museum officials and participating artists who collaborated on this exhibition.

This exhibition carries the message that “Culture is another name for diplomacy, and art is the warmest language connecting nations.” It became a symbolic stage for cultural diplomacy, where Korean traditional art and Belarusian cultural sensibilities met, deepening the friendship and understanding between the two countries through art.

This exhibition features works by leading Korean K-minwha artists, showcasing pieces where the aesthetics of traditional folk painting harmonize with modern sensibilities. Korea's identity and sense of beauty are resonating strongly with local Belarusian audiences.

Korean Artistic Spirit, to the World...
This K-Minwha invitational exhibition is regarded as another step toward the globalization of Korean traditional art. It demonstrates that Korean Minhwa transcends a simple pictorial tradition, establishing itself as a medium for cultural exchange and artistic diplomacy between nations. An exhibition official stated, “It was a beautiful time where Korea's warm sensibility and Belarus' artistic spirit harmonized, fostering mutual respect and understanding of each other's cultures.”

Exhibition Overview
Event Title: K-Minwha Invitational Exhibition at the National Art Museum of Belarus 「Minwha, the Beauty of Korea」
Hosted by: National Art Museum of Belarus, Diplomacy Journal
Organized by: K-Minwha Research Institute, World Culture Promotion Foundation, Korea Masters Association Foundation
Cooperating Organizations: Embassy of Belarus in Korea, World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee
Venue: National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus (Minsk)
Exhibition Period: October 30 to November 16, 2025
Purpose: Strengthening Korea-Belarus cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange through K-Minhwa

“Culture is another name for diplomacy, and art is the warmest language connecting nations.” We hope this exhibition will be remembered as a brilliant cultural celebration that blossoms the friendship between Korea and Belarus. - Damwhachongsa -