More than a landscape
The Oh Seung-woo Art Museum in Muan introduces the work of painter Oh Seung-woo (1930–2023). Its official artist profile tells a fascinating story: beginning in the 1980s, he painted mountains across Korea, reportedly climbing more than 130, including Baekdusan, Seoraksan, Jirisan and Hallasan. In 1995, his 'One Hundred Mountains of Korea' series was presented in a book and exhibition. These works can be read as a painter's personal way of encountering the land, rather than simply reproducing distant views.
Ten Symbols of Longevity
In the 2000s, Oh also explored the traditional Korean theme of sipjangsaeng, or the Ten Symbols of Longevity. It brings together motifs associated with long life and good fortune, including the sun, mountains, water, pine trees, cranes and turtles. His series transforms such familiar forms through expressive color and composition. Not every symbol appears in every painting; this is an introduction to the theme, not a catalogue of individual works.
What can visitors explore?
The municipal museum describes a permanent gallery on the first floor and temporary and special galleries on the second. Exhibitions can change, and the official artist biography does not guarantee that a specific painting from either series will be on display when you visit. Check the current exhibition notice if you hope to see particular works.
Before visiting
Find the museum at 7 Choui-gil, Samhyang-eup, Muan-gun (search the Korean name 무안군오승우미술관 in local map apps). The official hours are 09:00–17:30, with last admission at 17:00 and a lunch closure from 12:00 to 13:00. It closes on Mondays, 1 January, Lunar New Year and Chuseok. Gallery photography, food and pets are prohibited. Current ticket charges, individual class reservations, unusual closures and real-time public transport details have not been independently verified; consult the official museum notices before setting out.
Official references: the museum's artist profile, introduction and visitor guide.