Korean Calligraphy

History of Korea's Favorite Artform

Korean calligraphy, is seen as a pure art form in the Korean culture, and other Asian cultures.

It is one of Korea’s most loved art forms. The calligrapher’s brush strokes flows, and dances, across surfaces producing beautiful letter forms. The subject matter of the calligraphy and personality of the calligrapher combines in the letterforms.

The Korean alphabets were created as early as 1447. Despite the Koreans having their own alphabets, they were using Chinese alphabets for their official script up until the 19th century.

A person looking at East Asian calligraphy for the first time might find it hard to tell the differences between Korean and other Asian calligraphy types. But when you have recognised and learnt the basics of each Eastern Asian calligraphy type, you will instantly know the differences between them.

Modern calligraphy in Korea is trying to steer away from other calligraphy types especially Chinese and create an unique identity of its own.