This book was originally written in Korean with the primary focus on reviewing the progress in stylistic development of Korean portrait painting through discussion of outstanding works representing each historical period. This English edition, compiled from the Korean version, is intended to introduce the essence of Korean portraiture tradition to foreign readers and researchers. To this end, the portraits of 50 prominent individuals have been selected based on the historical importance of the subjects as well as the artistic quality of their portraits. This English edition carries great significance. The subjects of portraits discussed here are all important figures who left behind outstanding footprints in Korean history, and their portraits were created by prominent artists to mark significant occasions for the government, the royal household, private families or individuals. In this regard, this book will provide foreign readers with an opportunity to journey through Korean history to encounter historical figures in their natural element and observe the aesthetic sensibilities and artistic styles of different eras through concrete pictorial images. Thus they will gain experience of Korean culture in general and gradually enrich their knowledge and understanding of Korea.