2025 Korea Drawing Contest
Friday. December 12. 2025
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During my visit to South Korea this winter, I had the chance to participate in the 2025 Korea Drawing Contest hosted by the Colored Pencil Society of Korea. I submitted one of my drawings from the One Full Moon Night series without expecting too much, so receiving the news that I had been selected for the “Artist of the Year Award” was truly a special surprise for me. I still remember how excited and thankful I felt when I read the message. Since most of my work is created quietly in my own studio space, moments like this feel even more meaningful and encouraging to me as an artist.
The main entrance of “Gallery is”
The award ceremony was held at Gallery is in Insadong, one of my favorite art neighborhoods in Seoul. Insadong always feels full of energy and inspiration because there are so many small galleries, art spaces, and traditional streets gathered together in one area. Walking through the neighborhood on the way to the gallery already made the day feel memorable and exciting. The gallery itself had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it was wonderful to be there for the special moment as an artist.
The 2025 Korea Drawing Contest award ceremony
“ONE FULL MOON NIGHT - Night Ocean” by Julie Unchu Song
Received the “Artist of the Year Award”
A very special guest from Japan :D
After the ceremony, I spent a long time looking at the artworks displayed in the gallery. Around 25 pencil and colored pencil artworks by award winning artists from different categories were exhibited together. Every artist had such a different style, theme, and approach even though many of us worked with similar materials. Some pieces were incredibly detailed and realistic, while others felt dreamy, emotional, or imaginative. I was especially amazed by the patience and techniques shown in the works. Seeing the texture, layering, and small details in person felt very different from seeing artwork online.
“Road of Imagination Playground” by Yujin Choi
“A Window That Shares Warmth” by Bungeun Lee and “Invitation” by Suyeon Kim
“The Artist’s Room” by Heeja Im
“Coexistence” by Jihyun Gong
“Winter Sunshine” by Inyoung Yoo, “Snow” by Yuseon Lee, and “One Day, One Moment” by Jongrye Kim
“For a Tomorrow Farther Than Today” by Jungan Hyun
“One Day, Suddenly” by Jaehyun Bae, “Dance of Flowers (Dance Together)” by Heesun Na, and “Joy of Life #4 (Joie de Vivre #4)” by Yeonju Ryu
“Pink Bear - Swaying While Looking at the Sea” by Soyoon Lee
As an artist who mainly works with graphite pencil, it was inspiring to see other artwork by artists who also dedicate so much time and care to pencil based art. Sometimes working alone can make you forget how many creative people are out there exploring the same medium in completely different ways. This experience reminded me that pencil drawing can express so many moods, stories, and ideas. It made me feel motivated to continue developing my own world and storytelling through my One Full Moon Night series.
The entire experience became one of the most memorable parts of my Korea trip this winter. I feel deeply thankful for the award, for the opportunity to see such inspiring artworks in person. Moments like this give me new energy and excitement to keep creating.
Great dinner at “Hanok Pasta” in Insadong, Seoul
Sweet stuff from Japan by Shihori :)
