Museum_News Leeum Museum of Art Weaves Three Years of “Idea Museum” into a Living Vocabulary
Leeum Museum of Art presents 《Idea Museum, After Tomorrow》, a flagship public project showcasing an “evolving glossary” selected from the museum’s previous research programs, on view from September 5 to November 29. Idea Museum explores contemporary issues through artistic and interdisciplinary perspectives, guided by the principles of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality, and Accessibility(IDEA), and is supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund.
Artist_News Citizens Unite to Save Oh Yoon's Terracotta Relief from Demolition
A terracotta work by Oh Yoon (1946–1986), a pioneering figure of Korean Minjung art, has been discovered after remaining hidden for nearly half a century inside the Woori Bank building in Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. However, the work now faces the threat of being lost due to the building's impending demolition.
Artist_News Kim Kulim Demolishes the PlaceMAK Building in a Radical Performance
On June 24, pioneering Korean experimental artist Kim Kulim staged a radical performance by demolishing the PlaceMAK 2 building in Seoul's Yeonhui-dong and installing a monumental spherical inflatable sculpture atop its ruins. The 90-year-old artist arrived at PlaceMAK 2—the venue of his latest solo exhibition—accompanied by an excavator and a team of demolition workers. Despite his limited mobility, the artist directed the demolition performance with hand gestures, signaling the workers to tear down the building's roof and walls and clear away the rubble..
2026.07.07
Artist_News Artist Bae Young-whan, Who Comforted the Lives of Ordinary People, Passes Away at 57
On June 19, Bae Young-whan, a prominent figure in Korean contemporary art, passed away at the age of 57. A central figure in the generation that gained international recognition in the early 2000s, Bae—alongside close friends and colleagues like Lee Bul and Haegue Yang—was renowned for conceptually incisive work that bridged Korea’s complex artistic legacy with global discourses on modernity and society.
2026.06.30
Artist_News Hong Soonmo & Moon Isaac Named Winners of the 40th Kim Se-Choong Sculpture Award
On June 16, the Kim Se-Choong Memorial Foundation announced that sculptor Hong Soonmo (b. 1949) has been selected as the recipient of the 40th Kim Se-Choong Sculpture Award, while sculptor Moon Isaac (b. 1986) has been named the recipient of the 37th Kim Se-Choong Sculpture Award for Young Artists.
2026.06.23
Artist_News Yagwang Wins the Frieze Seoul Artist Award 2026
Seoul-based artist collective Yagwang has been named as the winner of the 2026 Frieze Seoul Artist Award. Supported by Bvlgari for the fourth consecutive year, the award spotlights and supports Korea’s talents at a pivotal stage in their careers. The winner is invited to realize an ambitious new commission on-site at Frieze Seoul, which takes place this year at COEX, 2 – 5 September 2026
Museum_News Leeum Museum of Art Weaves Three Years of “Idea Museum” into a Living Vocabulary
Leeum Museum of Art presents 《Idea Museum, After Tomorrow》, a flagship public project showcasing an “evolving glossary” selected from the museum’s previous research programs, on view from September 5 to November 29. Idea Museum explores contemporary issues through artistic and interdisciplinary perspectives, guided by the principles of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality, and Accessibility(IDEA), and is supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund.
2026.08.25
Museum_News Digitization and Research of Korean Modern and Contemporary Art Archives Preserved in Japan
The Art Research Center at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA Art Research Center) announced that it will undertake the digitization and research of Korean modern and contemporary art archives preserved in Japan in collaboration with the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (東京文化財硏究所, TOBUNKEN).
2026.08.11
Museum_News Rare Out-of-Print Book Missing from Yoo Youngkuk Retrospective at SeMA
A rare out-of-print book provided for public reading at the Seoul Museum of Art’s retrospective exhibition 《Yoo Youngkuk: A Mountain Within Me》, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the artist’s birth, has gone missing.
Museum_News ‘PARKSEOBO MUSEUM SEOUL,’ A Space for Art Connecting Generations, Opens on August 21
On August 21, PARKSEOBO MUSEUM SEOUL will open in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Established based on 3,000 works donated to the PARKSEOBO FOUNDATION by Park Seo-Bo (1931–2023), a master of Korean Dansaekhwa and one of its leading figures, the museum is located adjacent to the foundation’s building.
2026.08.04
Museum_News The Inaugural Nam June Paik Media Art Festival, "Waiting for U.F.O.," Opens July 16
The Nam June Paik Art Center will open the Nam June Paik Media Art Festival on July 16, a festival that activates Nam June Paik's artistic vision in the present tense. The Nam June Paik Media Art Festival, conceived in the spirit of Nam June Paik as a festival, feast, and gut (Korean shamanic ritual), connects art and technology, humanity and nature, the local and the global, while exploring the possibilities of future culture.
Nonprofit_News Samsung Ho-Am Prize Raises Award to KRW 500 Million, Strengthening Its Global Standing
The Ho-Am Foundation (Chairman: Hwang Sik Kim) announced that beginning next year, the prize money awarded to recipients of the Samsung Ho-Am Prize will be substantially increased from the current KRW 300 million to KRW 500 million per recipient. As a result, the total prize money across the six categories will rise from KRW 1.8 billion to KRW 3 billion.
2026.08.18
Nonprofit_News Busan Metropolitan City to Decide on Hosting Pompidou Center Branch in Early October
Busan Metropolitan City announced that it will establish and implement deliberative and communication processes involving citizens and members of the cultural and arts community in order to reach swift decisions on key cultural policy issues, including the construction of a branch of the Centre Pompidou and the opening performance of the Busan Opera House, featuring a guest performance by La Scala.
2026.08.18
Nonprofit_News Urban Regeneration Project ‘Gwangju Folly’ Faces Criticism Over Poor Maintenance
The public art project ‘Gwangju Folly,’ created with the aim of promoting urban regeneration and cultural revitalization, has come under criticism as some of its structures have been damaged or have lost their original functions due to inadequate maintenance.
Nonprofit_News Kim Tschang-yeul’s Former Residence to Open as a Public Art Space on May 29
The former residence and studio in Pyeongchang-dong where Kim Tschang-yeul lived and worked for more than thirty years will open to the public on May 29 as a new public art space titled ‘Kim Tschang-yeul Atelier.’ The first floor will house a special exhibition gallery, the basement level will serve as an archive room, and the second basement floor will recreate the artist’s studio and library.
2026.05.26
Nonprofit_News DOOSAN Yonkang Foundation Announces First Sponsorship of the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
The DOOSAN Yonkang Foundation (Chairman Park Yong-hyun) is participating as a sponsor of the Korean Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, held at the Giardini in Venice, Italy, from May 9 to November 22 local time. This year, the Korean Pavilion takes “Liberated Space” as its theme, examining the political events and historical transitional periods of Korean society from liberation in 1945 to the present day. The exhibition is directed by Artistic Director Binna Choi, with Hyeree Ro and Goen Choi participating as exhibiting artists. In addition, novelist Han Kang, farmer and activist Huju Kim, artist and musician Lang Lee, photographer Yezoi Hwang, and artist Christian Nyampeta are participating as fellows.
Biennale_News The Evolution of the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale Reborn as a 3D Digital Archive
A 3D digital archive has been created to provide an in-depth look at the process behind the construction of the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (hereinafter “the Korean Pavilion”), located in the Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Italy, as well as the architectural considerations embedded in its design.
2026.08.18
Biennale_News 2026 Changwon Sculpture Biennale Announces Theme and Exhibition Framework: “Resonance Begins with Difference”
On July 14, the Changwon Cultural Foundation held a press conference to unveil the theme and curatorial direction of the 2026 Changwon Sculpture Biennale, which will open this September. As Korea’s only biennale dedicated exclusively to sculpture, the Changwon Sculpture Biennale has, for the first time this year, adopted a co-artistic director system that includes an international curator.
2026.07.28
Biennale_News Kim Ye-sung Appointed as the Youngest Artistic Director for the 2027 Cheongju Craft Biennale
On July 20, the Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee announced the appointment of curator Kim Ye-sung as the Artistic Director of the 2027 Cheongju Craft Biennale, which will mark the event’s 15th edition. Selected following a proposal presentation and review process from among three candidates recommended by a 21-member executive committee, Artistic Director Kim Ye-sung (b. 1978) holds degrees in Ceramic Art and Art History from Ewha Womans University, the University of the Arts London (UAL), and the Royal College of Art (RCA).
2026.07.28
Biennale_News Gwangju Biennale to Build an AI-Powered Archive Using Privately Held Records
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation, led by President Youn Bummo, is launching an open call for privately held archival materials documenting more than three decades of the Gwangju Biennale's history since its establishment in 1995. This initiative is part of the Foundation's ongoing "AI Larchiveum Project," which aims to build an archive that extends beyond the Gwangju Biennale's official records by incorporating privately owned materials preserved by individuals.
2026.07.21
Biennale_News Korea's First Island Biennale to Open in Boryeong, Chungnam, Next April
The Island Biennale, Korea's first biennale dedicated to islands, will open on April 3, 2027, and run for approximately two months across Wonsando and Godaedo in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, bringing together a diverse selection of artworks by more than 70 artists from 24 countries.
Art Market_News South Korea’s MCST Plans to Implement Art Policies for the Continued Growth of the Korean Art Market, Which Exceeded 1 Trillion KRW in 2022
Over the past year, many local experts predicted that the size of the Korean art market would surpass 1 trillion KRW (Korean won) in 2022. This speculation has turned out to be true, as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS) announced on January 4, 2023, that the size of the art market in 2022 was estimated to be 1.0377 trillion KRW (approximately $1 billion USD).
Gallery_News Hannam Saturdays: A New Initiative Connecting Hannam-dong’s Art Landscape
On June 13, Hannam-dong in Seoul’s Yongsan District was transformed into a vibrant site of artistic exchange. The inaugural edition of ‘Hannam Saturdays,’ a new collaborative program organized by twelve galleries located throughout the neighborhood, made its debut.
2026.06.16
Gallery_News Gladstone Seoul Will Move to a Larger Venue in Seoul’s Hannam-dong in the Summer of 2026
Gladstone has announced the expansion and relocation of its Seoul gallery to a new space in Hannam-dong, one of the city’s leading arts and cultural districts, later this summer. This move is particularly notable as it establishes a new foothold in Hannam-dong, an area densely populated with major institutions such as the Leeum Museum of Art, as well as prominent local and international galleries. With a growing number of global galleries—including Esther Schipper—relocating to the neighborhood, Hannam-dong is rapidly emerging as a key hub in Seoul’s art market. Through this expansion, Gladstone aims to further strengthen its presence in Asia.
Gallery_News Korea’s First Sculpture-Dedicated Gallery ‘Space Tone’ Opens in Hapjeong, Seoul
Korea’s first sculpture- dedicated gallery, Space Tone (S.tone), has opened in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. While most sculpture-dedicated venues in Korea are located on the outskirts of Seoul due to the scale and weight of the works, Space Tone stands out as a space situated in the heart of the city—offering visitors the opportunity to encounter sculpture naturally in their everyday lives.
2025.11.18
Gallery_News Five Young Galleries to Watch in Seoul, Picked by ARTnews
On September 1, ARTnews, the American art magazine, spotlighted five emerging Seoul galleries to watch. Unlike the city’s more traditional galleries, these new spaces stand out for their distinctive sense of place and independent programs. The ARTnews highlighted PS CENTER, WWNN, Shower, Sangheeut, and Xlarge.
Auction_News Seoul Auction to Host ‘Connect Seoul 2024’ During Frieze·Kiaf Seoul Week
Seoul Auctions hosts ‘Connect Seoul 2024,’ a series of exhibitions and events from August 24 to September 13 at its Gangnam Center, to coincide with Frieze-Kiaf Seoul Week. Connect Seoul consists of two special exhibitions highlighting major Korean and international artists of modern and contemporary art, a group exhibition of media art, and a preview of upcoming auctions.
2024.09.03
Auction_News SBI Art Auction to Host Its First Overseas Auction Preview at Art Chosun Space in Seoul
Japan’s SBI Art Auction will present its first overseas auction preview, "Early Highlight Viewing in Seoul," from October 1 to 6 at Art Chosun Space (ACS) in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The preview is part of the "68th SBI Art Auction | MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART" to be held on October 25 and 26.
2024.08.13
Auction_News Global Auction House Phillips Appoints Lim Yeon-ah to Lead the Korean office
On the 5th, Phillips, one of the world’s top three auction houses, appointed Lim Yeon-ah as the head of its Korean office.
Since joining Phillips in 2020, she has overseen Phillips exhibitions during the Frieze Seoul art fair over the past two years.
Auction_News Christie’s First Exhibition in South Korea, What Does This Mean for the Local Art Market?
The booming Korean art market attracts many international art galleries and art fairs to Seoul. World-renowned galleries, including König Galerie, Thaddeus Ropac, and Gladstone Gallery, have opened a branch in Seoul, and Frieze has partnered with Kiaf SEOUL to hold art fairs in Seoul for five years from this year.
Art Fair_News Highlights to Watch at ‘Kiaf SEOUL 2025’
From September 3 to 7, Kiaf SEOUL 2025, the largest art fair in Korea, will take place at COEX in Seoul. This year’s edition brings together 175 galleries from over 20 countries.
2025.09.02
Art Fair_News 10 Must-See Artists Selected by ‘Frieze Seoul 2025’
At Frieze Seoul 2025, a wide range of solo presentations will unfold across the Galleries, Focus Asia, and Masters sections. The fair will not only highlight the breadth of historically significant artists’ careers but also spotlight bold new works and large-scale installations by emerging talents.
2025.09.02
Art Fair_News An Open Platform for Artistic Discourse at ‘Kiaf·Frieze Seoul 2025’
At Korea’s largest art fairs, Kiaf·Frieze Seoul 2025, an open platform for artistic discourse, the “Kiaf x KAMS x Frieze Seoul Talk Program”, will take place from September 4 to 6 at Studio 159 on the 2nd floor of COEX, Seoul.
2025.09.02
Art Fair_News How to Enjoy ‘Frieze Seoul 2025’ to the Fullest
The fourth edition of the Frieze Seoul returns to COEX in the city’s Gangnam neighbourhood from 3 – 6 September, and, in keeping with previous editions, will feature an expansive programme of live art and performance, film, talks and artist projects alongside presentations from 120 galleries.
2025.08.26
Art Fair_News ‘Kiaf SEOUL 2025’ to Unfold as a Vibrant Art Festival
Kiaf SEOUL 2025, Korea’s largest art fair, will take place from Wednesday, September 3 to Sunday, September 7 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. During Kiaf Art Week, Kiaf will collaborate with Frieze Seoul as well as domestic and international art institutions to present a wide range of programs, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with art.
2025.08.26
Art Fair_News Korean Galleries Make Strong Statement at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 Amid Market Slowdown
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 officially opened on March 26 with a VIP preview at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing attention as Asia’s largest art fair resumes at full scale. Despite a global art market slowdown, Korean galleries are showing remarkable presence and vitality at this year’s event.
Art+_News South Korea's Art Promotion Act Sparks Debate Over Artists' Resale Rights
In June, South Korea’s National Assembly passed the Art Promotion Act, sparking some controversy within the Korean art scene. This dispute stems from differing opinions among members of the art community regarding the specific implementation guidelines for the “droit de suite,” which refers to an artist’s resale royalty rights.
2023.08.14
Art+_News Hyundai FutureNet, Discovering and Supporting Emerging Media Artists...'Media Art Project'
Hyundai FutureNet, an ICT company affiliated with the Hyundai Department Store Group, signed a business agreement with the Korea Mecenat Association and Alternative Space ARTFORUM RHEE on the 27th of last month to revitalize the media art industry. Under the agreement, Hyundai FutureNet and the art organization Alternative Space ARTFORUM RHEE will carry out the ‘Hyundai FutureNet Media Art Project’ as part of the ‘Arts & Business’ collaboration project organized by the Korea Mecenat Association.
2023.03.24
Art+_News Kim Daljin Art Research and Consulting, 128 Exhibition Spaces Newly Opened in South Korea in 2022
Kim Daljin Art Research and Consulting (hereinafter the Institute) has been tracking the number of newly opened exhibition spaces in South Korea every year since 2005. These exhibition spaces include museums, galleries, cultural spaces with exhibition halls, memorial halls, and coffee shops or other corresponding places with gallery spaces.
