The National Museum of Korea has opened a new exhibition titled *Danwon Kim Hong-do, Painting the Era* in its renovated painting and calligraphy gallery, showcasing 96 works from 50 collections. The exhibition highlights Kim Hong-do's versatility beyond his famous genre paintings, featuring landscapes, documentary paintings, and floral art, including the first public display of *Chongseokjeongdo* (1795) from a private collection. Director You Hong-june emphasizes Kim's unmatched lyrical depth and technical skill across all genres.
This exhibition matters because it reframes Kim Hong-do's legacy, presenting him not merely as a master of genre scenes but as a multifaceted genius who excelled in every artistic category of his time. By including rarely seen private collections and pairing his works with those of his teacher Gangse Hwang, the show offers a comprehensive view of his career from prime to old age, deepening public understanding of Korea's greatest painter since Dangun.