A Study on the Aesthetic Consciousness of Not Going Back Unless Getting Drunk(不醉無歸) of King Jeongjo’s Calligraphy) : Focusing on the Calligraphy on the Signboard of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, renowned for his artistic prowess and governance reforms, demonstrated a unique aesthetic consciousness through his calligraphy on signboards within Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. His work embodies a blend of Confucian benevolent government principles and an equilibrium-harmony aesthetic expression, reflecting his commitment to moral governance and public respect. This study reveals that Jeongjo's calligraphy serves as both an artistic pursuit and a means to convey political fairness, paragon, caution, and indication, rooted in the concept of 'not going back unless getting drunk.' By analyzing his handwriting on signboards at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, the research highlights how these inscriptions condense his aesthetic consciousness, aiming to realize a virtuous government that meets societal demands. The findings underscore Jeongjo's innovative approach to calligraphy, integrating subjective self-awareness with traditional techniques to create a distinct style.

Lee, P.-s. (2025). A Study on the Aesthetic Consciousness of Not Going Back Unless Getting Drunk(不醉無歸) of King Jeongjo’s Calligraphy) : Focusing on the Calligraphy on the Signboard of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The Korean Society of Calligraphy, 46, 35–60. https://doi.org/10.19077/tsoc.2025.46.2