A Look at Mungyo Inscribe Pastels: Use and Performance

​Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels, often simply labelled as Mungyo or Inscribe depending on the supplier, have earned a reputation as a reliable option for artists seeking affordable, high-quality materials. Manufactured in South Korea, they are often suggested as a starting point for those new to the medium, given their widespread availability in UK art shops and online, and their positioning within the more affordable price range. This article explores the key features, performance, and overall value of Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels, drawing on user experiences and expert reviews.

​Founded in 1976, Mungyo Co., Ltd. is based in South Korea and produces a wide range of art supplies—from oil pastels and crayons to markers and professional-grade soft pastels. The Inscribe line, while not the company’s flagship product, has become a staple among students and amateur artists, particularly in the UK where they’re often sold under the Inscribe name via art retailers and rebranded distributors. While exact release dates are elusive, they’ve been circulating in the UK since the early 2000s and have maintained steady presence ever since.

​Overview and Presentation

Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels are available in various set sizes, ranging from 12 to 64 sticks, with popular options including 24, 32, 48, and 64 half-stick or upto 48-colour full-stick sets. The pastels are typically housed in sturdy cardboard boxes with foam or plastic trays to protect the sticks during transport, ensuring they arrive intact. The inclusion of black and white hard pastels in some sets is a thoughtful touch, allowing for sketching outlines or adding highlights and shadows. These pastels also work well in combination with other media, such as pastel pencils or harder pastels, for achieving fine details or crisp edges. Whilst the pastels are rather small, the size provides just enough flexibility for varied mark-making, however, they also have a full length option, so you can use these to shade larger areas or use the edges when working in tighter spaces.

Inscribe Half Pastels - 64-set

Inscribe Full Pastels - 24-set

The Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels have a medium-soft texture, making them blendable and ideal for beginners looking to experiment with pastels without investing in pricier brands. The half-sticks, though small, allow for varied mark-making, while full-length options are great for shading larger areas or using the edges for detailed work. While less dusty than softer, high-end brands, Mungyo Inscribe pastels still produce a moderate amount of dust. This is something to keep in mind if you’re working in a confined space, though it’s not excessive compared to other soft pastels. The pigment quality is generally reliable, with consistent colour payoff across the range. That said, there are occasional reports of minor issues, such as a slightly crusty coating on some sticks, but these are easily resolved and don’t significantly impact performance.

​For more experienced artists, Mungyo Inscribe pastels are often used for underpainting or filling large background areas, where their slightly firmer texture and lower cost make them economical without sacrificing quality. While they may not match the luxurious softness of premium brands, they hold their own against other student-grade or mid-range options like Faber-Castell Creative Studio or Prismacolor NuPastel.

​​Lightfastness and Durability

​Despite their charm, Inscribe pastels are not without compromise. While soft, they can be too crumbly—producing large amounts of dust during use. Some colours, particularly pale tones, feel chalky and resist layering. Pigment load varies, and users may find themselves pressing harder to achieve depth or saturation.
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A key concern for more serious work is the lack of lightfastness data. With no official testing or certification available, longevity is uncertain, meaning framed work exposed to light may fade over time. For artists creating archival or commercial pieces, this is a genuine drawback. ​For hobbyists or those creating sketches and studies, this is less of a concern, as the vibrant pigments and affordability make these pastels an excellent choice for practice and experimentation.

​Pros and Cons

​Pros:

• Affordable price point, ideal for beginners and budget-conscious artists.
• Vibrant, highly pigmented colours with good blendability.
• Versatile for both broad strokes and detailed work due to square shape.
• Less dusty than some softer brands, reducing mess.

Cons:

• Slightly scratchy texture on smoother papers, which may affect the experience.
• Limited lightfastness information, a potential concern for professional use.
• Not as soft or buttery as premium brands like Sennelier or Schmincke.
• Occasional quality control issues, such as crusty coatings on some sticks.​

Inscribe pastels on Clairfontaine Pastelmat in Anthracite - Whilst these pastels are small, they can still achieve fine detail.

​Final Thoughts

Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels offer a compelling balance of quality and affordability, but with the usual caveats that come with entry-level materials. For those just starting out, or for artists looking to keep their experimentation light and low-cost, they remain a solid option, while more experienced artists can use them effectively for underpainting or alongside other pastel brands. Though they lack the ultra-soft texture of high-end options and detailed lightfastness data, their performance on textured surfaces and budget-friendly price make them a worthy addition to any artist’s toolkit, just don’t expect premium performance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your pastel collection without breaking the bank, Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels are well worth considering.​

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Have you tried Mungyo Inscribe soft pastels?
What did you think of their texture and colour vibrancy?
Do you find them easy to blend, or have you encountered any challenges?

​Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
​Drop a comment below to share your experiences and any tips for getting the most out of these budget-friendly pastels.