A visitor looks at the painting "Gosainmuldo" (Portrait of People from Old Tale) by Shin Yun-bok at the National Palace Museum in this undated photo. / Yonhap

The painting "Gosainmuldo" (Portrait of People from Old Tale) by Shin Yun-bok (1758~), a renowned painter of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) better known by the name Hyewon, has gone missing.

"Gosainmuldo" (Portrait of People from Old Tale) by Shin Yun-bok / Yonhap

This cultural heritage piece had returned to Korea from Japan after 197 years.

The painting, possessed by the private Hooam Mirae Institue, was recently reported stolen, according to the Korea Heritage Service (KHS).

"Gosainmuldo" depicts scenes from myths or historical tales and was previously exhibited at the National Palace Museum of Korea in 2015.

The missing painting, created by Shin in 1811, is known to have been taken to Japan by Pijongjeong, a relative of Shin who served as a scribe during the final Joseon Tongsinsa (Korean diplomatic mission to Japan) in 1811.

The painting is believed to have been stolen between December 2019 and January 2020.

The research institute discovered its disappearance during an office reorganization in January 2020 and reported it to the police, but the painting's whereabouts remain unknown.

The institute recently filed a theft report with the Jongno District Office, prompting the KHS to publicize the incident on its website.

The KHS plans to investigate the antique art market and major trading venues, while also seeking tip-offs related to the painting to track it down.

The painting was purchased by a private individual from a Japanese collector in 2008, marking its return to Korea after 197 years.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the missing painting to come forward as they continue their efforts to recover this significant piece of Korea's cultural heritage.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.