Aesthetics in Korea: Traditions and Perspectives

Abstract

This paper aims to introduce the historical traditions of Korean aesthetics, focusing on the views of prominent thinkers, and further examine the contemporary tasks of Korean aesthetics. Thanks to 'chinoiserie' and 'japonism', Chinese and Japanese aesthetics were introduced to Europe relatively early, but Korean aesthetics has received little attention until recently. Korea has developed a great art culture with a long historical tradition and unique language in East Asian culture, and has accomplished its own specific achievements in aesthetics.

Keywords

• korean aesthetics
• pungryu or aesthetic way of life
• inner beauty
• naturalness
• cultivation of character