Chŏng Sŏn (also known as Wŏn-paek ['cha']; Kyŏm-chae ['ho'])

Chŏng Sŏn, also known by his pen names Wŏn-paek and Kyŏm-chae, was a prominent Korean painter born in 1676 and who passed away in 1759. He was a leading figure in the Korean art movement known as "true-view" landscape painting, which emphasized the depiction of Korea's natural scenery with a focus on realism and personal observation. Chŏng Sŏn's work marked a departure from the Chinese-influenced styles that dominated Korean art at the time, contributing significantly to the development of a distinctly Korean aesthetic. His most renowned works include depictions of the Diamond Mountains (Geumgangsan), which are celebrated for their dynamic compositions and detailed brushwork. Throughout his life, Chŏng Sŏn held various official positions, which allowed him to travel extensively and draw inspiration from Korea's diverse landscapes. His legacy endures as a pivotal influence on subsequent generations of Korean artists, cementing his status as a master of Korean landscape painting.