If one puts the word 'Korean ink painting' in a search engine, one will get an understanding of what is meant by Korean Sumuk (ink wash painting).
It was for a long time associated with calligraphy. The separation of the two art forms was made many years ago. In looking at some of the articles on the internet, even for a person with little knowledge of the art world, one can appreciate the beauty and sophistication of this art form. The surrounding countries influenced much of the traditional Korean art, but over the centuries Korea gained its own distinctive characteristics.
Ink painting dates back to China and came to Korea and flourished during the Joseon dynasty in the 14th century. It's not only brush, ink, and techniques used but a great deal to do with the spiritual and one's understanding of reality, not only expressive of the physical world but of one's inner world.
In the small group workshops and groups as in the mission station, the beginners in the art are often introduced to the four gracious plants: plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo. They represent the four seasons. The plum symbolizes courage and spring, orchids refinement and summer, chrysanthemums summer productivity, and bamboo integrity and winter.
There are many different explanations and the East Asian countries often have different understandings of the symbolism. They often represent the virtues of humility, purity, righteousness, and perseverance, which is why they are commonly seen within traditional Chinese art, and should be the virtues of the Confucian gentlemen.
A good example is the person called "seonbi", (선비) which refers to a virtuous scholar who pursued a simple and graceful lifestyle during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
The term was initially used for Confucian scholars, but its meaning later expanded to include people who followed a strict code of conduct ― with or without a government post ― to lead society in the right direction. The spirit of 'seonbi' still lives on, affecting a big part of Korean culture.
'Seonbi' were scholars during the Goryeo and Joseon periods of Korean history. Usually, non-governmental servants choose to pass on the benefits and authority of official power in order to develop and share knowledge. However, some former bureaucrats were seen as seonbi, as they moved to the countryside after retirement and adopted the seonbi lifestyle.
They do not exist today, although the term is sometimes used metaphorically. When applied to a person, the meaning can be complimentary, highlighting a person's intelligence, morality, and composure. However, it can also be used negatively, to highlight a person out of step with the times. Another example of how the times bring great change to a culture.
