A surreal nude woman stands on circular forms, representing timber stadiums and mythical elements.

Jeongmin Lee’s Ink and Bunchae Illustrations Revive Korean Coastal Myths on Mulberry Paper

2026-07-14

Exploring Memory Through Artistic Craft

Jeongmin Lee delves into the way “memory is carried through craft and repetition” in her distinctive artworks. Using traditional Korean mulberry paper, known as hanji, she meticulously draws with ink and bunchae pigments, creating rippling textures reminiscent of winding tales.

Folklore and Resilience Intertwined

Based in Busan, Lee crafts surreal scenes steeped in local folklore and mythology. Her compositions often center around women’s knowledge, labor, and resilience, woven through coastal stories. At the heart of her work are narratives of powerful sea gods and the diving traditions of the haenyeo, translated anew through balanced illustrations.

Intrigued by Lee’s mythological focus? Vorja Sánchez’s spectral creatures also blend folklore with artistry, provoking deeper thought.

Her process is meditative, requiring patience and precision. “Painting with traditional pigments is a slow, layered process,” Lee explains, noting how the gradual buildup of colors allows the creation of unique textures. This technique not only enhances her artwork but gives her time to reflect deeply on the stories she illustrates.

Two abstract figures facing each other above waves in a surreal composition. — a surreal illustration of two abstract figures facing each other and then waves on the bottom

Daughters of the Sea and Global Connections

Lee’s series, Daughters of the Sea, recently featured at the SĀBRS Festival in Riga, aims to evolve into a participatory project. She envisions folklore as a shared experience, encouraging communal interaction beyond the confines of a gallery wall. “I’m exploring ways that folklore can become something people experience and talk about together,” Lee shares, inviting wider engagement with these timeless narratives.

Lee’s participatory project echoes global mural trends. Millo’s transformative murals show how urban walls become communal art narratives.

Surreal artwork depicts a snake revealing a human head and blooming flowers. — a surreal illustration of a snake spliced to reveal a figure’s head and flowers

Currently, Lee is also working on a graphic novel focusing on Busan’s rich mythology and folklore, slated for completion next year. Her ongoing projects and updates are available on Instagram.

A fox with two human figures emerging, set in a surreal style. — a surreal illustration of a fox with two figures emerging upward

Surreal depiction of a woman surrounded by stylized, crashing waves. — a surreal illustration of a woman surrounded by waves

Surreal illustration of a woman encircled by dynamic, flowing waves. — a surreal illustration of a woman surrounded by waves

Nude men depicted in a surreal illustration while playing chicken. — a surreal illustration of a nude men playing chicken

Unfinished artwork showing preliminary sketches of an intricate design. — a work in progress

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials does Jeongmin Lee use for her illustrations?

Jeongmin Lee uses traditional Korean mulberry paper, known as hanji, and draws with ink and bunchae pigments.

What themes are central in Jeongmin Lee’s artwork?

Lee’s artwork centers around local folklore and mythology, with a focus on women’s knowledge, labor, and resilience woven through coastal stories.

What is unique about Jeongmin Lee’s painting technique?

Jeongmin Lee uses a slow, layered process with traditional pigments, allowing the gradual buildup of colors to create unique textures and to reflect deeply on the stories she illustrates.