Chun Kyung-ja 100th Anniversary: Wind That Shakes the Soul at SeMA Seosomun

Commemorating the Chun Kyung-ja 100th Anniversary, the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) presents the special memorial exhibition Wind That Shakes the Soul at the Seosomun Main Building from May 20 through November 22, 2026. Chun Kyung-ja (1924–2015) stands as one of the most distinctive pioneers in modern Korean color painting. In 1998, the artist generously donated 93 of her most cherished masterworks to the citizens of Seoul, forming the permanent Chun Kyung-ja Collection.

This centenary exhibition re-examines her passionate artistic journey, marked by incandescent mineral pigments, poetic literary writing, and decades of adventurous global travels across Africa, Latin America, and the South Pacific.

Chun Kyung-ja 100th Anniversary Overview and Visitor Guide

• Exhibition Title: Chun Kyung-ja 100th Anniversary Memorial Exhibition 《Wind That Shakes the Soul》
• Artist: Chun Kyung-ja (1924–2015)
• Exhibition Period: May 20, 2026 – November 22, 2026
• Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Weekends & Holidays 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
• Venue: SeMA Seosomun Main Building, 2nd Floor Chun Kyung-ja Gallery (61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul)
• Admission: Free

Luminous Pigments, Melancholy, and Global Wanderlust

During an era when traditional Korean ink-and-wash painting dominated the artistic establishment, Chun Kyung-ja forged a groundbreaking visual path using rich mineral pigments and layered coloring techniques. Her iconic portraits of solitary women channel deep sorrow (han), intense romantic longing, and self-reflection with extraordinary emotional intimacy.

Chun’s extensive journeys throughout Tahiti, Africa, India, and the Caribbean provided raw spiritual vitality that infused her canvases with mythic warmth and vitality. Her paintings are inseparable from her acclaimed essays; image and text constantly reflect each other, creating an immersive journey through her untamed creative spirit.

Essential Viewing Highlights for Visitors

When walking into the tranquil gallery rooms on the second floor, take note of these key elements:

• Layered Mineral Pigments: Examine the rich luminosity achieved through multiple layers of ground mineral pigments on mulberry paper, creating a textured surface that radiates light.
• Travel Sketches and Journal Excerpts: Gain insight into Chun’s adventurous mindset through display cases pairing lyrical travel writings with spontaneous on-site sketches.
• Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway: Combine your museum visit with a leisurely walk along the historic Deoksugung Stonewall path and the historic Jeongdong district right outside.

SeMA Seosomun Main Building is situated just a three-minute walk from City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 and 2, Exits 1 or 12), tucked into the quiet leafy street beside Deoksugung Palace. For complementary historical and modern art experiences nearby, read our features on Light of Heaven, Light of Earth at Kyobo Art Space and Yoon Junho at Ingahee Gallery.

Official Details and Visiting Hours

For audio guide information and gallery tours, visit the Seoul Museum of Art official exhibition webpage. Public details confirmed as of September 15, 2026.