Sculpture in South Korea

Sculpture in South Korea has evolved from a glorious past and has a history dating back to the Stone Age. The first signs of South Korean Sculpture were seen on the Ban-gudae Cliff in Ulsan on the southeastern edge of the peninsula, where some rock cuttings were found. However sculpture gained its importance and was practiced as a major art form after Buddhism was established in the nation. It gradually became a major part of South Korean Art and Craft.

History of South Korean Sculpture

Sculpture in South Korea began with the bronze, earthenware and clay figurines. It evolved during the various periods like the Goguryeo Period, the Baekje Period, the Silla Period and the Goryeo and Joseon Periods. All the findings of this period are related to Lord Buddha and include such masterpieces as a gilt-bronze image of a seated Buddha of the fourth or fifth century; a headless statue in a sitting position and meditating with half cross-legged, a standing gilt-bronze statue of bodhisattva and many more. Adding to this are many iron, bronze, wooden and stone figures of Buddha.

Modern Sculpture in South Korea

It was not until the 20th century that South Korea saw some modern work in the field of sculpture. Koreans interested in fine art actually took the initiative to go to Tokyo and other places to learn the technicalities of sculpture from a formal institution. Soon after that during the early 1920's South Korean Sculpture received some modern European influence. Modern Korean Sculptors like Jong-yeong, Kim Gyeong-seung and Yun Hyo-jung led by Kim Bok-jin began to think beyond innovative carvings of the lord Buddha and moved on to chipping out parts of human form like heads, torsos and other portions.

After the mid 20th century Korean Sculpture stepped into a new genre and common people could relate more to it. This Contemporary style of sculpture was well like by people in the country as well as outside. More and more talented artists evolved and they began using their creativity raise the standard of Arts and Crafts in South Korea to a new level. Hence to see some of these masterpieces you must visit the various museums and display halls exhibiting them all over the nation.