By Honorary Reporter Toth Monika from Hungary 

Photos and Illlustrations= Ekaraj Ohn

Ekaraj Ohn is a Bangkok-based watercolor artist and an assistant professor of fine arts at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University in the Thai capital. He loves traveling and always brings his painting gear everywhere he goes. In summer 2018, I met Ohn at the Asia Express Film Workshop, Festival and Cultural Meeting in Mako, Hungary, an event in which young filmmakers from Europe and Asia discuss their craft.

His painting of Geunjeongmun Gate at Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace is a trip back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and arguably the most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces. Though not everyone wore Hanbok in the real picture, the painter in his work had everyone clad in the traditional attire for a more traditional and quaint look.

This view of the palace is from the National Folk Museum of Korea. Ohn's style of watercolor painting gives a more peaceful and calm impression.

N Seoul Tower is a leading tourist landmark in the capital and one of Asia's tallest structures of its kind.

Bukchon Hanok Village has hundreds of Hanok (traditional house) units dating back to the Joseon era. With a few children seen going to school in the painting, the village seems both real and friendly.

Ilsan Lake Park is one of Asia's largest artificial parks. Ohn's painting is reminiscent of the impressionist style of Claude Monet.

Due to the pandemic, the Thai artist cannot travel the world and said he just uses his phone to capture places for painting in his studio.

chaey0726@korea.kr


*This article is 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.