The earliest know Korean paintings were murals painted on walls of tombs of the Three Kingdoms period (57 B.C. - A.D. 668).  The paintings of Koguryo were generally dynamic and rhythmic, those of Paekche, elegant and refined, while the paintings of Shilla were somewhat speculative and meticulous.  Little is known of the painting o the Unified Shilla period (668-935) as only one example survives, but it is believed that painting flourished during this culturally rich and harmonious period.

 In the Koryo period (918-1392), painting flourished in great variety, with the heavy Buddhist influence reflected in temple murals and Buddhist scroll paintings.  Many master painters produced works of the so-call Four Gentlemen Plants (the plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo).  Early Chosun painters were unable to free themselves from conservative styles, but later painters showed increasing creativity and originality, and began painting genre paintings depicting scenes from everyday life.  Understandably, during the Japanese annexation period, traditional painting suffered although Western painting was introduced and became prevalent.  After liberation, interest in both traditional and Western painting grew rapidly, and today, both styles flourish in Korea.