Nam June Paik: The Seonbi Spirit — A Cultural Encounter in Yeongju If you’re interested in Korean culture, philosophy, and contemporary art, the Nam June Paik: The Seonbi Spirit exhibition in Yeongju is an experience you shouldn’t miss. This special exhibition, held at the Seonbi World Exhibition Hall in Gyeongbuk, reinterprets the traditional Korean “Seonbi spirit” through the lens of Nam June Paik — the legendary pioneer of media art. What makes this exhibition unique is how it connects two very different worlds: the classical values of Joseon-era scholars and the futuristic, experimental creativity of Paik’s media art. 🌿 Who Was Nam June Paik? A Brief Introduction https://search.pstatic.net/common/?src=http%3A%2F%2Fblogfiles.naver.net%2FMjAyNTA1MTNfMTU4%2FMDAxNzQ3MTA1NjIwNjM5.XjxlXQh4X2achEIL_Wsep9nRtptZi6MOZYT8ZBPlAY4g.314mdZ-VeKgVQQshU8hx7nSroE409pQ8PFmB6uM8UlQg.JPEG%2FIMG_5279.JPG&type=sc960_832 Nam June Paik (1932–2006) is widely known as the father of video art. Born in Seoul and educated in Japan and Germany, Paik became one of the most influential figures in global contemporary art. Some key facts: He introduced the world’s first video art in 1963 using modified televisions. He coined the phrase “electronic superhighway,” predicting today’s digital and internet culture decades before it happened. His artworks combine sound, video, robotics, and performance, blending traditional Asian philosophy with Western avant-garde ideas. Paik collaborated with notable artists like John Cage and Charlotte Moorman, and his works are displayed in major museums worldwide. What many people don’t know, however, is that behind his technological experimentation was a deeply philosophical mind shaped by Eastern thought — and this exhibition beautifully brings that side into focus. 📚 The Seonbi Spirit Meets Media Art https://www.kyongbuk.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4058179 The “Seonbi spirit” refers to the moral integrity, intellectual depth, and disciplined lifestyle of Confucian scholars during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. These scholars valued contemplation, writing, and living a life of sincerity — ideals that connect surprisingly well with Paik’s reflective approach to art. The exhibition explores this connection by presenting Paik not only as a media innovator but also as a thinker who navigated between tradition and modernity, East and West. Even within his most futuristic works, Paik often drew inspiration from Buddhist philosophy, humanism, and questions about society and identity. ✨ What You’ll See at the Exhibition http://ssp21.or.kr/m/view.php?pn_table=w113&bod_id=627&page_num=3&sub_num=3&page=2&PHPSESSID=7f133618b264a7901656f07dcb48fae2 The exhibition showcases over 40 analogue works, including drawings, ink brush sketches, and early prints. These rare pieces reveal the foundation of Paik’s artistic thinking before he began using televisions, cameras, and robots. Highlights include: Brush drawings showing his exploration of human existence Early sketches documenting his thought processes Prints and analogue notes that connect philosophical ideas to media experiments Interactive and family-friendly zones where visitors can experience elements of Paik’s media art By focusing on analogue works rather than his famous video installations, the exhibition gives visitors a fresh understanding of Paik as a contemplative artist rooted in traditional Eastern thinking. 🏛 Exhibition Information https://www.kyongbuk.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4058179 Period: December 2025 – late February 2026 Venue: Seonbi World Exhibition Hall, Yeongju, Gyeongbuk Admission: Free with a Seonbi World entrance ticket Extras: Interactive spaces, photo zones, and educational corners for visitors of all ages 🎨 Why You Should Visit https://www.kyongbuk.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4058179 This exhibition is perfect for: Travelers curious about Korea’s deeper cultural heritage Fans of Nam June Paik wanting to see rare works Students of art, philosophy, or Korean studies Anyone who enjoys the blend of tradition and technology It’s a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how Korean values and global modern art intersect — and to appreciate Nam June Paik not just as a media innovator but as a thinker shaped by centuries of Korean intellectual tradition. If you're planning a trip to Korea this winter, Yeongju’s Seonbi World offers a culturally rich and visually inspiring stop worth adding to your itinerary. #NamJunePaik #PaikNamJune #SeonbiSpirit #KoreanCulture #KoreanArt #MediaArt #VideoArt #KoreanPhilosophy #SeonbiWorld #YeongjuTravel #KoreaExhibition #KoreanHeritage #ArtExhibition #ContemporaryArt #KArt #VisitKorea #KoreaTrip #KoreanHistory #EastWestArt #CulturalExperience #TraditionalAndModern #ArtInKorea #MuseumVisit #KoreanArtists #WinterInKorea #TravelKorea #KCulture #ArtBlog #KoreaItinerary
