By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee | “Baeksubaekbokdo百壽百福圖” is a traditional Korean folk painting that wishes for longevity and good fortune. Baeksubaekbokdo means “a hundred years of life,” which implies a wish for longevity. 

In addition, 'Baekbok百福' means a hundred kinds of 'blessings' and expresses the wish for various blessings in life. In this sense, Baeksubaekbokdo has a strong symbolic meaning as a wish for health and happiness. 

Composition and symbolism

The Baeksubaekbokdo is mainly composed of various symbols and elements that symbolize longevity and good fortune. Some of the most common symbols that appear in the painting are the crane and turtle, which signify longevity, and the peony flower, which symbolizes wealth. 

These symbols are arranged in complex and colorful forms in the paintings, conveying a deep meaning of wishing the viewer a long life and good fortune. 

In particular, in the Baeksubaekbokdo, the characters for “longevity” and “fortune” are often repeated. The placement of these characters is a central element of the painting and serves to visually emphasize the wish for longevity and well-being. Various animals, plants, and natural elements work together in harmony to convey a message of peace and abundance to the viewer.

The tradition and meaning of Baeksubaekbokdo 
 
Baeksubaekbokdo is usually painted on big birthdays or anniversaries, such as gohui (the age of seventy) or palsoon (the age of eighty), and is given as a gift at special events and celebrations. In particular, it has been used as a gift for parents and grandparents to wish them long life and good health.

These folk paintings are more than just decorative objects. The paintings convey the wish for longevity and good fortune, and they reflect the traditional values and wishes of the Korean people. Traditional symbols are represented in various forms in the paintings, which have the power to bring peace and good fortune to the viewer.

Even in modern times, Baeksubaekbokdo has not lost its meaning and value, and it has been reinterpreted in various forms, inheriting the tradition and adding modern aesthetics. Animals and natural elements that symbolize longevity are often depicted in modern designs as well as traditional ones, making them popular as home decorations.

More than just a painting, Baeksubaekbokdo is a symbolic work of art that embodies the wishes and prayers of the Korean people. It has been passed down through the ages, and we are confident that it will continue to hold its value and become a part of traditional Korean art.