By Honorary Reporter Volga Serin Suleymanoglu from Turkiye (Turkey)
Photos = Joung Young-ju

In the heart of a rapidly evolving Seoul, artist Joung Young-ju's paintings stand as a poetic testimony to the city's vanishing landscapes. She captures the delicate interplay of light and shadow on streets, creating urban scenes that feel both familiar and ethereal.

Her art bridges past and present by using Hanji (traditional paper) and contemporary techniques to create textured surfaces that mirror Seoul's transformation.

The following are excerpts from email interviews conducted from Dec. 19 last year to March 11.

Joung Young-ju at her studio

Give a brief description of your artistic journey.

I am an artist who reconstructs old landscapes in Seoul through memory and imagination. I grew up in a neighborhood of ordinary people there, and while we lived a modest life, our neighbors had a warm sense of affection and humanity. This is the central theme of my work: capturing what is being lost amid Korea's rapid development.

Your work features light, shadow and traditional materials. Elaborate on your creative process and techniques.

Each piece takes one to two months of intensive work. I photograph old houses nestled between Seoul's modern buildings and combine these with childhood memories and imagination in my sketches. The core of my work comes from the blazing shapes and light of crumpled Hanji, which holds deep personal meaning for me. Growing up, our doors were made with wooden frames and Hanji, so it connects me to those memories. I attach pieces of paper to create form, add color, and finally paint the light to breathe life and hope into each piece.

"Spring Series" by Joung Young-ju

How is your work, which resonates with Korean artists abroad, evolving?

I think my work speaks to Korean artists abroad who miss their hometowns and search for their identity. I'm increasingly focused on environmental themes and nature preservation. While continuing to exhibit at major art fairs like Art Basel and Frieze, I'm preparing for a solo exhibition in New York next year.

msjeon22@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.