Delivering essential Korean contemporary art news every week.
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Artist_News Documentary on Kim Yun Shin, One of Korea’s First-Generation Female Sculptors, to Premiere at the Busan International Film Festival
Kim Yun Shin Punches In, a documentary exploring the life and artistic practice of Kim Yun Shin, one of Korea’s first-generation female sculptors, made its world premiere at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. Directed by Sun-ae Lim, the feature-length documentary Kim Yun Shin Punches In was unveiled as a world premiere at the Wide Angle Documentary Showcase of the Busan International Film Festival, which opened on October 6, ahead of its official theatrical release in 2027.
2026.10.13
Art+_News 2026 DMZ OPEN Festival Opens, Tracing the Flow of Peace in a Cold War Zones
Gyeonggi Province is hosting the ‘2026 DMZ OPEN Festival’ from October 12 to November 29 at Paju Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri and locations across Goyang. Under the theme “Open the Line, Connect the Life,” this year’s festival seeks to open the Line of the DMZ, a symbol of division and borders, to connect people with one another and everyday life with the wider world, creating new currents of peace.
2026.10.13
Museum_News Buk SeMA Presents 'Dancing Family,' Experiencing the Museum Through Movement and Dance
Buk-Seoul Museum of Art (Buk SeMA) will present Poland’s family-oriented dance program ‘Dancing Family’ in Korea for the first time. The Buk SeMA, which has continued to develop a range of programs designed to help children and families become more familiar with museums, offers a new way of experiencing the museum through movement and dance with this program. The program will take place from October 15 to 17.
Artist_News Documentary on Kim Yun Shin, One of Korea’s First-Generation Female Sculptors, to Premiere at the Busan International Film Festival
Kim Yun Shin Punches In, a documentary exploring the life and artistic practice of Kim Yun Shin, one of Korea’s first-generation female sculptors, made its world premiere at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. Directed by Sun-ae Lim, the feature-length documentary Kim Yun Shin Punches In was unveiled as a world premiere at the Wide Angle Documentary Showcase of the Busan International Film Festival, which opened on October 6, ahead of its official theatrical release in 2027.
2026.10.13
Artist_News Media Artist Ayoung Kim Receives the 38th Lee Jung-seop Art Award
Korean contemporary media artist Ayoung Kim has been selected as the recipient of the 38th Lee Jung-seop Art Award. Kim has attracted significant attention in the Korean and international art worlds through her active presentation of works that fuse science-fiction (SF) imagination with media technologies.
2026.09.29
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.
Museum_News Buk SeMA Presents 'Dancing Family,' Experiencing the Museum Through Movement and Dance
Buk-Seoul Museum of Art (Buk SeMA) will present Poland’s family-oriented dance program ‘Dancing Family’ in Korea for the first time. The Buk SeMA, which has continued to develop a range of programs designed to help children and families become more familiar with museums, offers a new way of experiencing the museum through movement and dance with this program. The program will take place from October 15 to 17.
2026.10.13
Museum_News MMCA Cheongju Open Storage Undergoes Major Overhaul
Following a major overhaul, the open storage at MMCA Cheongju welcomes visitors with a refreshed presentation. As Korea’s first art museum dedicated to open storage, MMCA Cheongju opened in December 2018, making its storage facilities—a core part of the museum—accessible to the public.
Museum_News Buk-Seoul Museum of Art Becomes First Korean Museum to Receive CIMAM’s Outstanding Museum Practice Award
The Seoul Museum of Art announced that Parallel Views: Art in Conversation, an accessibility program developed by Buk-Seoul Museum of Art (Buk SeMA), has received the 2026 Outstanding Museum Practice Award (OMPA), presented by CIMAM, the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art.
2026.09.29
Museum_News Museum Hanmi, Korea’s First Photography Museum, Opens Branch in Gimpo
On the 11th, Museum Hanmi, Korea’s first museum dedicated to photography, opened a new space at 201-25 Gahyeon-ro, Tongjin-eup, Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. As its name, Gahyeon-ri (佳峴里, meaning “beautiful hill”), suggests, Museum Hanmi Gimpo is situated on a hill and consists of the traditional Korean hanok Gahyeonheon, a garden that captures the changing seasons, and the Jerry Uelsmann Memorial Hall, where visitors can experience the artistic world of Jerry Uelsmann in its entirety.
2026.09.22
Museum_News Kumho Museum of Art, a Launchpad for Emerging Korean Artists, to Close Next July
After 38 years of assessing the currents of contemporary Korean art and discovering promising emerging artists, Kumho Museum of Art will close its doors next July. On September 6, the Kumho Cultural Art Foundation, chaired by Seo Jae-hwan, announced, “In order to ensure the sustainable continuation of our support for culture and the arts by focusing and concentrating our business capabilities, we have decided to end our visual arts programs beginning in July 2027.”
Nonprofit_News 'DOOSAN ART LAB', Emerging Artist Program, Shifts to Biennial Format
DOOSAN Art Center announced that ‘DOOSAN ART LAB Visual Arts’ will adopt a new format beginning with this year’s open call. Since its launch in 2015, DOOSAN ART LAB Visual Arts has identified and supported promising emerging artists in the field of visual arts, providing a foundation for them to advance their practices. To date, 49 artists who have participated in DOOSAN ART LAB have established distinctive artistic practices and continued to actively engage with the contemporary art scene.
2026.09.22
Nonprofit_News VH Award Announces Five Finalists for Its 7th Edition
On September 15, the final selections for the 7th VH Award, a media art competition organized by Hyundai Motor Group, were announced. The VH AWARD is a platform that supports the artistic challenges and experimental practices of next-generation artists who reinterpret Asian cultural, historical, and emotional contexts through the language of contemporary media art.
2026.09.22
Nonprofit_News Hermès Foundation Missulsang Launches Digital Archive Spanning 25 Years
On September 1, the Hermès Foundation unveiled a digital archive commemorating the 20th edition of the Hermès Foundation Missulsang, titled Memories for the Future: 25 Years of Hermès Foundation Missulsang. Since 2000, the Missulsang has sought out and supported new practices and experiments in Korean contemporary art.
2026.09.15
Nonprofit_News ‘Nuhwa Contemporary’ Opens as a New International Cultural Platform Connecting Asia and the Gulf Region
On September 1, Nuhwa Contemporary, a new international cultural platform based in Seoul and Abu Dhabi that connects Asia and the Gulf region, opened its doors in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The name “Nuhwa” combines “Nuha”–refined intellect–and “Hawa”–creative impulse. Bringing ideas together, Nuhwa embraces artistic experimentation as a catalyst for new narratives and exchange.
2026.09.08
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.
Biennale_News 16th Gwangju Biennale Announces 43 Participating Artists, Highlighting Diverse Generational and Regional Voices
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation today announced the 43 participating artists and groups selected for the 16th Gwangju Biennale. The roster, selected by Artistic Director Ho Tzu Nyen together with curators Park Gahee, Brian Kuan Wood, and Che Kyongfa, brings together voices from diverse generations and regions. Through their sustained artistic practices, the participating artists explore how new possibilities and ways of living emerge and take shape.
2026.06.16
Biennale_News Gwangju Biennale Shifts to Open Call for Artistic Director for the First Time in Its 30-Year History
The Gwangju Biennale Foundation has announced an open call for the Artistic Director of the 17th Gwangju Biennale. Until now, the Artistic Director of the Gwangju Biennale has been selected through a recommendation-based system, in which a final candidate was chosen from a pool of nominees put forward by a small group of advisors. As a result, the position has often been filled by internationally renowned figures invited through this process.
2026.06.09
Biennale_News Lee Janghwan Appointed Artistic Director of the Korean Pavilion at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale
The Arts Council Korea (ARKO) has appointed Lee Janghwan, founder of Urban Operations, as the Artistic Director of the Korean Pavilion for the 20th International Architecture Exhibition of the 2027 Venice Biennale. Lee Janghwan’s practice engages broadly with the fields of urbanism, culture, and architecture. He previously worked as an architect at OMA, where he participated in the design of the Qatar National Library and contributed to numerous projects across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
2026.06.09
Biennale_News Resonating Together Through Dissonance: 2026 Busan Biennale Reveals Exhibition Structure
The Busan Biennale Organizing Committee held a press briefing on May 27 to unveil the major curatorial framework for the 2026 Busan Biennale, including 44 participating artists and collectives (47 individuals in total) from 23 countries, as well as the exhibition venues. Led by co-artistic directors Evelyn Simons and Amal Khalaf, the biennale will take place from August 29 to November 1 under the title 《Dissident Chorus》. The 65-day exhibition will unfold across Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, Space Wonji, and the former Busan Nam High School.
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.
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 2026 DMZ OPEN Festival Opens, Tracing the Flow of Peace in a Cold War Zones
Gyeonggi Province is hosting the ‘2026 DMZ OPEN Festival’ from October 12 to November 29 at Paju Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri and locations across Goyang. Under the theme “Open the Line, Connect the Life,” this year’s festival seeks to open the Line of the DMZ, a symbol of division and borders, to connect people with one another and everyday life with the wider world, creating new currents of peace.
2026.10.13
Art+_News Seoul Performing Arts Festival 2026 Opens October 8, Exploring a Multiverse of Interconnected Arts
The 26th Seoul Performing Arts Festival (SPAF 2026) will take place over 18 days, from October 8 to 25, at major performance venues across Seoul, including the National Theater of Korea, SFAC Theater QUAD, and ARKO·Daehakro Arts Theater. Started in 2001, the Seoul Performing Arts Festival (SPAF) is the longest-running international performing arts festival in Korea. SPAF is held for one month in Autumn in Daehangno and nearby areas in Seoul.
Art+_News Seojung Art CEO Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Art Investment Ponzi Scheme
Lee, the head of the prominent Korean gallery Seojung Art, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in a first-instance ruling after being charged in connection with an approximately KRW 100 billion “art-tech” Ponzi scheme. An art-tech Ponzi scheme is a form of financial fraud in which investments in artworks are used as bait to attract new investors, whose funds are then used to pay returns to earlier investors.
2026.07.28
Art+_News 26th Seoul International New Media Festival Announces 50 Finalists for Its Competition Section
The 26th Seoul International New Media Festival (NeMAF 2026), taking place from August 21 to 26, has officially announced the 50 finalists selected for this year's Competition Section. As Asia's longest-running international alternative film festival and Korea's only genre-defying festival dedicated to moving image art that transcends the boundaries of film, art, and technology, NeMAF received a total of 635 submissions this year, including 407 works for the Korean New Works section, 173 for the Glocal New Works section, and 55 for the New Media section.
