Kim Hong-do, better known as Danwon, was a leading genre painter of the Joseon Era who was favored by King Jeongjo. Gang Se-hwang, whose pen name was Pyoam, said of the genre paintings of Kim Hong-do: “Everybody clapped their hands and cried out that it was amazing when Kim Hong-do let go of his brush.” The genre paintings of Kim Hong-do are known for their vividness, as if they were drawn on-site, their satirical views of society, and their lifelike nature. They seem to have captured the moment.

Shin Yun-bok, better known by his pen name Hyewon, was a leading genre painter of Korea, together with Kim Hong-do. Unlike Kim Hong-do, he painted women and used strong, refined colors. His paintings feature people from various walks of life in those times, including the nobility, common people, Buddhist monks, and women, and daringly showcase expressions of love between man and woman.

The Genre Painting room mainly exhibits genre paintings that show the daily lives of people of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the first such room ever at the NMK. Videos and image panels were installed, enabling easier understanding of genre paintings.

Various exhibitions will be held in the room, which will be managed as a space that has the most uniquely Korean characteristics where the lives and culture of the Koreans in past ages can be vividly experienced.

[Leading works in the Genre Painting room]

Kim Hong-do, “Album of Genre Paintings by Danwon”, Light color on paper

Shin Yun-bok, “Album of Genre Paintings of Women”, Light color on silk