Korean art of the early XX century (based on the latest research)

Transformation of Chinese heritage in the Korean cultural background gave the world fine arts many talented painters and unique pieces of art. Painting is a clear reflection of political and social changes, so the study of creative activity of Korean intellectual artists munin of the early XX century provides a lot of information about life of the country during the most difficult period of the Japanese protectorate. The article contains names of most famous painters whose art for a long time determined development of Korean fine arts during colonial and postcolonial periods and gives some theoretical considerations related to the functioning of artistic styles. The analysis of papers on Korean painting of the early XX century suggests that the use of the term «modern» in relation to it does not so much depend on the time frame but on qualitative changes in the world outlook of artists, the improvement of techniques and reconsideration of some traditions. Understanding the key principles of Korean national art formation launched at the beginning of the XX century may explain some of the specific features of national identity, which is particularly relevant in the contemporary processes of globalization and internationalization.