By Honorary Reporter Jasmin Mikolay from Germany

Choi Seyun's art toy "Tradijunk" (left) on Oct. 19, 2024, is on display at the exhibition "Dream Comes True" at Corner Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District while his traditional ceiling painting is located at Gwanghwamun Gate. (Jasmin Mikolay)

Artist Choi Seyun uses traditional colors and patterns to create works that reinterpret traditional aesthetics and ornamental motifs through contemporary design.

Through his art toys, the Busan-based artist combines visual elements of Korean Buddhist painting and dancheong, a traditional style of decorative painting on wooden buildings, with modern production methods such as 3D printing and laser cutting.

Choi's work has been shown at Corner Gallery in Seoul's Jongno-gu District from Dec. 12-31, 2025, and Solgeo Art Museum in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province from Nov. 7-Dec. 7, 2025, with the latter coinciding with last year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in that city.

In an email interview from May 12-29, Choi described his creative process and artistic vision.

Figures from Choi Seyun's "Tradijunk" and "Gleam Gleam" series are displayed on Feb. 27, 2025, at his studio in Busan. (Choi Seyun)

Rather than reproducing traditional aesthetics as they are, the artist said he seeks to reinterpret them through a contemporary lens. 

"Messages can be conveyed most clearly when opposites meet," he said. "Tradition represents the old while my figures belong to a modern medium. The tension between these two worlds creates a unique emotional response."

One of the most recognizable features of Choi's work is the cube-shaped head shown in many of his characters. He said the design grew from his fascination with mysterious boxes and hidden emotions.

"I imagined the heart as a box whose contents are unknown," he said. "Together with viewers, I want to explore what might be hidden inside."

His art is focused on two series: "Tradijunk" and "Gleam Gleam."

The name "Tradijunk" combines the words "tradition" and "junk art." Choi draws a parallel between forgotten objects and elements of traditional culture often overlooked despite their renewed attention. The series imagines how old and forgotten objects might feel if they possessed hearts and emotions, allowing the telling of their stories from a modern perspective.

"Gleam Gleam" turns inward. Inspired by the idea of the heart as something small yet shining, the series explores memory, emotion and self-reflection through personified representations of the artist's inner world. The project is also influenced by the Buddhist practice of mindfulness of observing emotions with awareness.

Choi uses digital technology in his designs but keeps traditional craftsmanship essential to his creative projects. He begins with sketches and pattern designs before proceeding to 3D modeling, printing and laser cutting, then paints and finishes each figure by hand with traditional techniques inspired by historical examples.

Choi Seyun's art and work process at his studio in Busan (Choi Seyun)

Looking ahead, Choi said he wants to continue experimenting with new techniques and materials while expanding how Korean aesthetics can be expressed through contemporary art.

The artist believes that traditional cultural heritage remains an important source of inspiration for contemporary creators. "Before it is Buddhist art, it is our cultural heritage," he said. "As a Korean artist, expressing our own culture feels natural to me."

By blending centuries-old decorative traditions with contemporary design and technology, he offers audiences in Korea and abroad a fresh perspective on Korean culture. 

Currently, his works are part of the group exhibition "Ina-goe: Strange Creatures That Resemble Me" at Jeonbuk Museum of Art in Wanju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province. His art evokes reflection on uncomfortable or "monstrous" emotions and traits like fear, vulnerability and uncertainty.

Official poster for "Ina-goe: Strange Creatures That Resemble Me" at Jeonbuk Museum of Art in Wanju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province (Jeonbuk Museum of Art)

The exhibition explores disputes arising from generational differences and competing interests spread more rapidly through digital environments, including the internet and smartphones. It uses metaphor of a "monster," encouraging visitors to reflect on their emotions and restore the emotional balance that may have been overlooked.

The exhibition runs through Oct. 11. Admission is free.

ljyhwa@korea.kr 

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.