ChunhasikCat Minhwa Illustrator
Introduction
Hello, I'm illustrator Chunsikhasik. My pen name is a combination of the names of my two cats, Chunsik and Hasik, who have been with me for 13 years. Every moment with them brings me new experiences and inspiration. Under the name Chunsikhasik, I observe and capture all the moments of Chunsik and Hasik through my illustrations. Chunsik and Hasik are former street cats commonly found in Korea. Through them, I became inspired to capture the beauty and charm of cats living within the landscapes of Korea’s natural scenery. I work with the mindset that the cats I draw represent all the cats around us. Like human life, their lives are also finite.
Someday, Chunsik and Hasik will leave for the “cat star,” but until then, I want to create as many artworks as I can. My biggest hope is that long after time has passed, people will remember: “There once were two cats named Chunsik and Hasik.”
Highlight
<Night Sky Stars> at Saem Gallery
<No Name> at S101 Gallery
Yonggang-dong Market Exhibition (Mapo District Cultural Tourism Market Project)
Anseong Picture Book Project
Jeongneung Village Decoration Project
Mural Project for Dangerous Areas in Gangbuk District
Gangbuk Fire Station Mural Project
PIMPY Virus Illustration
Weekly Sentiment Goyangtakju Illustration
Collaboration with Samsung Welstory, Hyundai Department Store, Lotte Department Store Mall
What to expect while doing this
In recent years, I’ve noticed a shift in how people view cats, as well as a growing interest in Korean tradition. Although cats appear quite often in traditional Korean Minhwa paintings, cat Minhwa is still not very well known. So, I aim to combine my love for cute cat illustrations with elements of traditional Minhwa, to share the beauty of both cats and Korean aesthetics with more people.
More than just being cute and lovable, I believe cats can be a source of comfort and healing.
My work started from the desire to say, “These moments truly existed.” I hope that message reaches the hearts of others.
Interview
Q. What are some of your most memorable places and experiences in nature in Korea? 
When I knew nothing about cats, I once took Chunsik to the beach in Sokcho, Gangwon Province.
Looking back, it might have been dangerous, but I’m comforted by the fact that it gave Chunsik the chance to feel sand under his paws for the first time, to see the ocean, and to smell the sea breeze. Though it was a selfish human wish, I wanted to give my beloved cat an unforgettable experience in life— and for me, it also became a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Even now, I can close my eyes and recall the salty scent of the sea with Chunsik beside me, the rough texture of the sand, and the sunlight shining down. It was our only outing together, but I truly hope it was a meaningful experience for him too.
Q. What does nature mean to you? 
To me, nature is the greatest place of rest. Just as humans are a part of nature, everything flows naturally within it— there is no need to force anything, and things return to their place in their own time. In nature, people, cats, and all beings can move more freely and comfortably. Watching this helps me reflect often on the idea of “being just as you are.” Nature gives me inspiration and becomes the backdrop for my work. Since cats are territorial animals and can’t go outside freely,
I want to give them—through painting—a world where they can roam, a place where they can live as their true selves. To me, nature shows dreams, and through painting, I turn those dreams into reality.
Q. What do you want people to take away from the experience and healing you provide?
Through my illustrations, I hope people feel a small sense of warmth and comfort. Tiny, cute things spark gentle, cozy emotions— and I believe that sometimes, even a small sense of comfort
can help us overcome the difficulties of real life. I hope my paintings, filled with little cats playing in Minhwa-inspired landscapes, help people reflect on emotions that may have passed by unnoticed in daily life. The thought of placing my cats Chunsik and Hasik in Solhyangjae makes me feel like my work is returning home. I imagine my illustrated cats walking across the wooden floor of a quiet Hanok, and the image comes so clearly to mind. When you meet my postcards at Solhyangjae, I hope you feel like a cat you've quietly held in your heart has come to sit beside you.
Even in your busy days, may you feel that lingering warmth— and may the stories of Chunsik and Hasik stay with you for a long, long time.
맞춤코스 문의하기
ChunhasikCat Minhwa Illustrator
Introduction
Hello, I'm illustrator Chunsikhasik. My pen name is a combination of the names of my two cats, Chunsik and Hasik, who have been with me for 13 years. Every moment with them brings me new experiences and inspiration. Under the name Chunsikhasik, I observe and capture all the moments of Chunsik and Hasik through my illustrations. Chunsik and Hasik are former street cats commonly found in Korea. Through them, I became inspired to capture the beauty and charm of cats living within the landscapes of Korea’s natural scenery. I work with the mindset that the cats I draw represent all the cats around us. Like human life, their lives are also finite.
Someday, Chunsik and Hasik will leave for the “cat star,” but until then, I want to create as many artworks as I can. My biggest hope is that long after time has passed, people will remember: “There once were two cats named Chunsik and Hasik.”
Highlight
<Night Sky Stars> at Saem Gallery
<No Name> at S101 Gallery
Yonggang-dong Market Exhibition (Mapo District Cultural Tourism Market Project)
Anseong Picture Book Project
Jeongneung Village Decoration Project
Mural Project for Dangerous Areas in Gangbuk District
Gangbuk Fire Station Mural Project
PIMPY Virus Illustration
Weekly Sentiment Goyangtakju Illustration
Collaboration with Samsung Welstory, Hyundai Department Store, Lotte Department Store Mall
What to expect while doing this
In recent years, I’ve noticed a shift in how people view cats, as well as a growing interest in Korean tradition. Although cats appear quite often in traditional Korean Minhwa paintings, cat Minhwa is still not very well known. So, I aim to combine my love for cute cat illustrations with elements of traditional Minhwa, to share the beauty of both cats and Korean aesthetics with more people.
More than just being cute and lovable, I believe cats can be a source of comfort and healing.
My work started from the desire to say, “These moments truly existed.” I hope that message reaches the hearts of others.
Interview
Q. What are some of your most memorable places and experiences in nature in Korea?
When I knew nothing about cats, I once took Chunsik to the beach in Sokcho, Gangwon Province.
Looking back, it might have been dangerous, but I’m comforted by the fact that it gave Chunsik the chance to feel sand under his paws for the first time, to see the ocean, and to smell the sea breeze. Though it was a selfish human wish, I wanted to give my beloved cat an unforgettable experience in life— and for me, it also became a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Even now, I can close my eyes and recall the salty scent of the sea with Chunsik beside me, the rough texture of the sand, and the sunlight shining down. It was our only outing together, but I truly hope it was a meaningful experience for him too.
Q. What does nature mean to you?
To me, nature is the greatest place of rest. Just as humans are a part of nature, everything flows naturally within it— there is no need to force anything, and things return to their place in their own time. In nature, people, cats, and all beings can move more freely and comfortably. Watching this helps me reflect often on the idea of “being just as you are.” Nature gives me inspiration and becomes the backdrop for my work. Since cats are territorial animals and can’t go outside freely,
I want to give them—through painting—a world where they can roam, a place where they can live as their true selves. To me, nature shows dreams, and through painting, I turn those dreams into reality.
Q. What do you want people to take away from the experience and healing you provide?
Through my illustrations, I hope people feel a small sense of warmth and comfort. Tiny, cute things spark gentle, cozy emotions— and I believe that sometimes, even a small sense of comfort
can help us overcome the difficulties of real life. I hope my paintings, filled with little cats playing in Minhwa-inspired landscapes, help people reflect on emotions that may have passed by unnoticed in daily life. The thought of placing my cats Chunsik and Hasik in Solhyangjae makes me feel like my work is returning home. I imagine my illustrated cats walking across the wooden floor of a quiet Hanok, and the image comes so clearly to mind. When you meet my postcards at Solhyangjae, I hope you feel like a cat you've quietly held in your heart has come to sit beside you.
Even in your busy days, may you feel that lingering warmth— and may the stories of Chunsik and Hasik stay with you for a long, long time.
맞춤코스 문의하기