history

Kim Saeng, Han Ho and Kim Jong Hui are known as three best calligraphers of Korea.

It is said that Kim Saeng (711-?), a representative calligrapher in the middle ages, began to learn how to write in his childhood and kept on writing with brush until he was over 80.

As he was proficient in various writing styles, he developed a reputation as the best calligrapher in his own lifetime and was highly praised by posterity and even by foreigners.

Han Ho (1543-1605) showed amazing talent in handwriting in his boyhood, but his difficult living conditions permitted him only to practise calligraphy, writing characters on the ground and rocks. He was also called Kyonghong, or Sokpong or Chongsa.

With extraordinary enthusiasm, Han made persevering efforts to familiarize himself with scripts of famous calligraphers and further polish them, thus developing his unique style.

Han’s handwritings were known throughout the country, and also to China and other countries.

Kim Jong Hui (1786-1856), together with Han Ho, formed two pillars in calligraphy. He was also called Wonchun, Wandang or Chusa.

He created a unique writing style, known as chusa, and was well versed in history, astronomy, geography, music, painting and others.

On the basis of his experience in calligraphy and detailed study of preceding calligraphic styles, he wrote many papers on basic theories of calligraphy and calligraphic techniques.