Gyeomjae Jeong Seon

From April 2 to June 29, Hoam Museum of Art proudly presents Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, a landmark special exhibition that offers a comprehensive look into the artistic legacy of Jeong Seon—one of the most revered painters of the Joseon Dynasty. This exhibition is co-organized by Hoam Museum of Art and Kansong Art Museum Daegu. 

Jeong Seon (1676–1759), pen name Gyeomjae, is widely celebrated as the pioneer of true-view landscape painting, uniquely capturing Korea’s natural beauty with expressive and distinctly personal brushwork. While he is best known for his realistic depictions of iconic Korean scenery, his talent extended far beyond landscapes. He also mastered figure painting, flower-and-bird painting, and imaginative, conceptual works that reflected the diverse aesthetics of his time.

Divided into two thematic sections, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the multifaceted genius of Jeong Seon’s artistry.

Part 1—“Strolling Through True-View Landscapes” focuses on his iconic landscapes, including early and later depictions of Mount Geumgang and detailed portrayals of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul), Jeong Seon’s birthplace and the capital of Joseon. This section traces the origins, evolution, and artistic significance of the true-view tradition he pioneered.

Part 2—“The Ideal of a Literati Painter” expands the narrative, delving into Jeong Seon’s engagement with broader artistic genres and themes. It also highlights his self-awareness as a literatus and the role of his noble lineage in shaping his identity and artistic values.

This unprecedented retrospective holds special meaning, marking the 60th anniversary of the Samsung Foundation of Culture in 2025 and the 350th anniversary of Jeong Seon’s birth in 2026. It is the most extensive exhibition of Jeong Seon’s work to date and symbolizes a historic collaboration between two of Korea’s foremost private art institutions—Hoam Museum of Art (operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture) and Kansong Art Museum Daegu.

The exhibition will premiere at the Hoam Museum of Art and travel to Kansong Art Museum Daegu in the latter half of 2026.

A fully illustrated exhibition catalog accompanies the show, featuring artworks on view, expert commentaries, and essays by renowned scholars: Kang Kwan-Shik (Former Professor, Hansung University), Park Eun-Soon (Professor Emerita, Duksung Women’s University), Cho In-Soo (Professor, Korea National University of Arts), Chang Chin-Sung(Professor, Seoul National University), and Song Hee-Gyeong (Director, Gyeomjae Jeong Seon Art Museum).

Gyeomjae Jeong Seon is curated by Jo Jiyoon (Head of Collections Department, Leeum Museum of Art) and assisted by Lee Kwangbae (Senior Curator, Leeum Museum of Art), Lee Jun Kwang (Curator, Leeum Museum of Art) with supports from various departments of the Museum.

Press inquiries: Minsun Park, Communication Team, minsunn.park@samsung.com; Miso Han, Communication Team, miso.han@samsung.com