Waterfalls cascade straight down from steep cliffs covered in rock layers. The cliffs on either side are depicted with deep ink, causing the white water to appear even more vividly. A remarkable artwork where the ink shades and white areas form a striking contrast. This is Jeong Seon’s (1676–1759) *Bakyellan Falls*. As a master of true-view landscape painting, who lived into his late 70s, he portrayed Bakyellan Falls in Kaesong, stretching it beyond its real dimensions, and included a scholar wearing a *gat* and *dobok* as a small figure at the bottom of the painting, giving a feeling of both existence and scale.
Jeong Seon’s final masterpiece, *Bakyellan Falls*, is currently featured in the National Museum of Korea’s permanent exhibition hall in Yongsan, Seoul. This is the first time in 9 years, since 2017, that the newly renovated calligraphy and painting gallery has been opened. Director You Hong-june of the National Museum of Korea mentioned at a press conference on the 25th, “When discussing Jeong Seon’s famous works, *Geumgangjeondo*, *Inwangjesaekdo*, and *Bakyellan Falls* are always included,” and further stated, “The rarely displayed *Bakyellan Falls* is an eternal masterpiece created by Jeong Seon, whose brushwork had reached its peak in his 70s, skillfully using various brush and ink techniques.” A private collector has loaned the artwork for two months for this exhibition.
The museum has made substantial changes to the calligraphy and painting gallery, implementing a ‘seasonal system’ that displays notable works from textbooks each season. It will conduct thematic exhibitions focusing on prominent calligraphers and painters every three months, with each season featuring 2–3 essential pieces titled *Masterpiece of the Season*. Director You stated, “Although artworks in the calligraphy and painting gallery have been rotated every three months to reduce light exposure for preservation, these updates were not widely recognized, leading to limited exhibition impact. Moving forward, we will hold focused thematic exhibitions within the permanent display framework. Since there will be must-see masterpieces each season, ‘multiple visits’ are necessary.”
The inaugural thematic exhibition celebrating the reopening is titled *Jeong Seon, Ah! Our Land!*. This year signifies the 350th anniversary of Jeong Seon’s birth. Jeong Seon is the central theme. His early work *Sinmyo Year Mt. Geumgang Album* (Treasure) and his late masterpiece *Bakyellan Falls* have been chosen as the season’s highlights, titled *Masterpiece of the Season*. *Sinmyo Year Mt. Geumgang Album*, which marks the start of true-view landscape painting, is a set of 13 paintings Jeong Seon created following a trip to Mt. Geumgang with friends in 1711. The 36-year-old artist carefully and precisely depicted the landscape before him. In contrast, *Bakyellan Falls*, painted during his later years, showcases the pinnacle of his artistic skill with bold strokes and a balance of strength and delicacy.
*Visit on a Snowy Night* (private collection) by Jo Yeong-seok (1687–1761), a close companion of Jeong Seon, is another outstanding work worth highlighting this season. It portrays a scholar walking through the snow during a winter night to visit a friend and engage in conversation. While inspired by a Chinese historical story, the characters are shown in clothing typical of the Joseon era.
The recently restored gallery presents 70 displays, among them 10 Treasures. In Room 1, where the smell of ink is prominent, guests can view calligraphic pieces from celebrated Joseon-era artists. The brush and inkstone utilized by Kim Jeong-hui (Treasure) are also on display. The artifact of Kim Jeong-hui, who “wore through ten inkstones and a thousand brushes,” provides an emotional insight into his commitment. Rooms 2–4 include works beyond Jeong Seon, such as Kim Myeong-guk’s *Bodhidharma*, and *Portrait of Seo Jik-su* (Treasure), created by Lee Myeong-gi and Kim Hong-do. The museum mentioned, “We intend to actively acquire not only our own collections but also pieces from other organizations and private collectors for upcoming exhibitions.” The Jeong Seon exhibition will continue until April 26. Starting in May, a thematic display on Danwon Kim Hong-do will be presented.
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