Korean Cultural Center Launches Traditional Korean Folk Painting Workshop

The Korean Cultural Center in Egypt inaugurated its Traditional Korean Folk Painting Workshop (Minhwa) today at its premises in Dokki. Running from August 3 to 5, the workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant and symbolic world of minhwa, an integral part of Korea’s artistic heritage.

Organized by the Korean Cultural Center and curated by the King Sejong Institute Foundation, the workshop is part of the Sejong Culture Academy — a flagship cultural initiative that dispatches Korean culture experts worldwide to deliver immersive programs and foster global appreciation of Korean traditions.

Led by distinguished Korean artists, the workshop provides hands-on training in traditional painting techniques, materials, and motifs. Participants will also gain deeper insight into the historical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of minhwa, making the experience both creatively enriching and educational. The program is designed for students of the Sejong Institute at the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt, as well as local enthusiasts of Korean culture and art.

“Through this workshop, we aim to share a living aspect of Korean heritage and inspire Egyptian artists to connect with it,” said Mr. Oh Sung-ho, Director of the Korean Cultural Center. “We hope this initiative strengthens cultural ties and promotes artistic dialogue between Korea and Egypt.”

Minhwa paintings are renowned for their expressive style and rich symbolism, often depicting themes such as prosperity, longevity, and harmony. Popular motifs include the “Four Gracious Plants” — plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo — representing the seasons and virtues in Korean philosophy, as well as everyday scenes, landscapes, and folkloric subjects. Known for their vivid colors and intricate detail, minhwa paintings embody both tradition and personal expression, continuing to resonate with contemporary audiences.

This workshop is part of the Center’s broader mission to promote cultural exchange and deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of Korea and Egypt through the arts.