A Pioneer of Korean Abstraction: The Life and Art of Yoo Youngkuk Yoo Youngkuk, a name now inextricably linked to the birth of abstract art in Korea, stands as a pivotal figure during a period defined by profound social and political upheaval. Born in 1916 in the serene coastal town of Uljin, nestled within the majestic Taebaek Mountains, his artistic journey was one of relentless exploration—a quest to forge a new visual language for a nation grappling with its identity and embracing modernity. From his earliest years, immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Korean landscape – particular…