Born in Gangwon-do, Korea, artist Jun Kim left home at an early age before joining the Cheongyeonam Temple in Busan as a monk when he was 19 years old. 

A few years into his time at the temple he observed a fellow monk sculpting rock and quickly became enamored with the art form. After apprenticing with the monk for some time, Jun began creating sculptures that remain on display at the Cheongyeonam Temple to this day.

After 13 years of service, Jun traveled to New York where he taught the Korean Buddhist martial art of Sunmudo (he is a 6th dan master) and worked as a tailor. 

Jun is an avid long-distance trail hiker and has completed the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. He was recognized in national media outlets as the first Korean national to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail on the north-to-south route.

After completing the Pacific Crest Trail for the second time, Jun landed in California in 2018. With COVID preventing his return to New York in 2020, Jun settled in Belden, CA, and began sculpting again. 

In his sculpture practice, Jun uses a broad spectrum of mediums including rock, wood, cement, and drywall plaster. His work is featured in many private collections as well as publicly at the Adventist Health Hospital in Tehachapi, CA. 

Jun currently lives and works in Vallejo, CA with his wife, Marisa.