The discussion around whether Korean folk paintings, known as Minhwa, can become a major genre in contemporary Korean art is gaining traction as traditional motifs are increasingly incorporated into modern cultural products.
There's a growing debate in the Korean art scene about the potential for Minhwa, or traditional folk paintings, to gain prominence in contemporary art by the early months of 2026. This interest has been spurred by successes such as the animated series 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', which prominently features Minhwa symbolism and traditional art motifs. Additionally, the museum culture products inspired by traditional art are becoming popular, leading to a surge in the number of artists and practitioners involved in traditional Minhwa practices, now exceeding over 100,000. The art community is actively seeking ways to penetrate the art market as a result.
The renewed attention to Minhwa was notably highlighted last month when it was revealed that a painting depicting a mythical creature, 'Girin-do', had been included in the list of gifts presented by President Lee Jae-myung to President Xi Jinping during a state visit to China. This decision by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs to showcase a piece from the Joseon dynasty reflects an official recognition of Minhwa as a modern cultural asset. The 'Girin-do' was recreated by modern artist Um Jae-gwon, symbolizing longevity and prosperity, featuring a mother and baby giraffe among symbolic flora, marking a significant endorsement of Vermin's potential in the international arena.
On the commercial front, Gallery Hyundai has further embraced this trend by holding two major exhibitions that reflect the evolution of Minhwa from the 19th to the 21st century. By showcasing new works alongside traditional pieces, they reveal the transformation of this art style over the years. The exhibitions highlight notable characteristics such as the transition from typical phoenix depictions prevalent in the Joseon court to the emergence of dragons symbolizing emperors, through artworks like 'Twin Dragons Playing with Jewels' and 'Birds and Mountains', capturing the dynamic history and shifting cultural narratives of Minhwa. This movement suggests a broader recognition and revival of traditional art forms within modern cultural frameworks in Korea.
