South Korea's art scene has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years. Cities like Seoul and Busan are now flourishing as global centers for contemporary art. According to The New York Times, art fair Frieze Seoul has seen 70,000 visitors each year since its establishment only two years ago, compared to about 85,000 visitors at Frieze London, the two-decades-running original iteration of the fair.
Art enthusiasts and the wider market are understandably excited about these developments. It’s worth exploring the evolution of the art itself to understand how South Korea became a powerful presence in the art world.
A Brief History of Modern Korean Art
South Korean art has a rich heritage that dates back centuries to when traditional art forms such as ink wash painting, pottery, and calligraphy were the prominent mediums for artwork. These art forms provided a strong foundation for later artists to build upon.
In the early 1920s following the initiation of the Korean Independence movement, Korean artists began experimenting with Western art styles such as impressionism and abstraction. Much like their Western counterparts, Korean artists emphasized subjective interpretations in their paintings, rather than attempting to accurately recreate objects and environments.
Another significant period for Korean art was the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, experimentation was defined by the various mediums of expression that contemporary artists chose to work with. Later given the name “Korean Experimental art” or “silheom misul”, this era heralded artists who worked with new art forms like photography, videography, and performance art.
Korean Experimental art was a response to the social and physical environment people were living in after the Korean War. Artists also used experimental art to be a part of the discourse on prevalent subjects like modernization and globalization. These topics continue to be at the center of Korean art today.
“Throughout its long history, Korea has sought to build a distinct cultural heritage within East Asia, which played a critical role in giving birth to the modern Western world, including the art scenes,” says Yulhee Kim, Faculty at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
“The juxtaposition of modernity and tradition within the urban landscape today enables artists, curators, gallerists, and collectors to develop their own stories and reconnect the world with Korean history.”
Korean Art Today
A Thriving Art Market
The South Korean art market has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by a combination of domestic and international interest. As a country with a thriving gallery scene and the third highest number of private art museums in the world (behind only Germany and the US), South Korea has positioned itself as a major player in the global art market. From small independent galleries in trendy neighborhoods to large commercial galleries in established cultural centers, there is ample opportunity for artists to share their work and connect with larger audiences.
One of the driving forces behind the success of South Korean contemporary art is the government's active support of cultural initiatives and the arts. Organizations like the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS) play a crucial role in promoting local artists and reinforcing the value of South Korean arts and culture.
“The budget for the Korean art sector in 2024 has more than doubled compared to the previous year,” says Kim. “Projects related to artist support and overseas market access to Korean art have been reorganized or newly established. The Korean art market, which has been globalized through art fairs like KIAF Seoul (Korean International Art Fair) and Frieze Seoul, has confirmed its competitiveness at home and is now eager to develop local markets abroad.”
Art Scenes in Seoul and Busan
Seoul and Busan stand out as major art centers in South Korea. Seoul, the capital city, has a sprawling network of art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. From the flourishing art district of Samcheong-dong near the Gyeongbokgung Palace to the historic Insa-dong neighborhood, Seoul is steeped in artistic expression and heritage.
The city's thriving art scene is also reflected in its numerous art festivals and events, including KIAF Seoul, where artists and visitors from around the world converge to celebrate Korean and international art. As further evidence that Seoul is home to a rising global art scene, Frieze Art Fair, one of the largest and most renowned art fairs in the world, has instated its newest iteration in the city.
Similarly, those who visit Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, can find a variety of art galleries, studios, and cultural spaces in districts like Haeundae and Seomyeon. According to Artsy, many notable art spaces and galleries have opened in recent years, with Art Sohyang, LEE & BAE, and Gallery Playlist topping the list. Busan also hosts the annual Busan Biennale and Art Busan, two successful art fairs which showcase contemporary art from both Korean and international artists.
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Global Impact
K-pop and Korean Fashion
The Korean art scene has garnered global recognition in tandem with the recent rise of K-pop and Korean fashion. “Personal collections of influential K-pop figures such as G-Dragon and RM have brought significant attention to certain global artists. With K-pop artists’ growing influence in the art world, Korean artists already recognized for their inherent quality and merit are quickly gaining popularity,” says Kim.
“Global brands motivated to expand within the Korean market began collaborating with Korean artists and celebrities. Global art players interested in growing Asian markets noticed this trend and have since been building their presence in Korea.”
Korean Art Goes Global
Korean artists have been gaining more recognition on the international stage, with exhibitions and collaborations taking place in major art capitals around the world.
The success of artists like Do Ho Suh, whose installations have been showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, has helped put South Korean contemporary art on the map.
Another South Korean artist whose work has been exhibited around the globe is Lee Bul. Renowned for her almost other-worldly sculptures, installations, and performances, Lee Bul has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, the Hayward Gallery in London, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, among others.
This global visibility has led to a surge in demand for South Korean art, driving up prices and attracting investment from both domestic and international buyers. It’s a remarkable rise that mirrors South Korea’s larger impact on global culture.
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