Myungtaek Jung (b. 1971, Seoul, South Korea) is a leading figure in Korean art furniture, known for seamlessly integrating traditional Korean aesthetics with modern design. His work explores the philosophical and spatial properties of materials, transforming furniture from functional objects into contemplative art. Rooted in the principles of Korean architecture, particularly the notions of muwi (the absence of activity), mushim (the absence of mind or desire), and muhyung (the absence of shape), Jung reinterprets these elements through a contemporary lens.
Jung began his academic journey at Hongik University, where he studied woodworking and furniture design. He later earned an MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the United States, where he worked with the Wendell Castle Collection. Wendell Castle, widely regarded as the father of American art furniture, became a key influence on Jung's work, further developing his global perspective while maintaining a strong connection to his Korean roots. Upon returning to Korea, Jung completed a practice-based PhD centred on the creation of art furniture embodying the "Three Non-being Spirits" of ancient Korean architecture. This body of work became the foundation of his artistic philosophy, exploring the profound relationship between material, space, and spirit. His work is characterized by a minimalist yet profound approach to form and material, emphasizing the inherent essence of each object rather than decorative embellishment.
Jung has exhibited his work extensively, with solo exhibitions in the USA, Egypt, and Korea, and has participated in numerous prestigious group shows, including the Milan Triennale Design Museum (2018), Design Art Busan (2017), and Design Miami/Basel (2010). He was named a next-generation design leader by Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy in 2009, and, in 2022, became a finalist for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, further solidifying his international recognition.
Currently based in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, Jung teaches at the College of Art at Yeungnam University, where he continues to explore the intersections of tradition and modernity. Through both his teaching and practice, he shapes the future of art furniture exploring its philosophical and spatial dimensions.