In the past few years, South Korea has undoubtedly emerged as a new globally influential center of contemporary culture and art. Join LARRY’S LIST and Sotheby’s Institute of Art on a special journey, exploring both the roots and effects of this contemporary success story. Amidst the increasing global interest in Korean culture, this field study offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the region’s art landscape, with a special focus on contemporary art and its markets. The South Korea art scene has gained global recognition, standing out as a hub not only for having the highest number of private art museums worldwide, but also for the prestigious homegrown and international art galleries the country houses.
During the 5-day curated program, participants will delve into the hyped art scenes in the cities of Seoul, the country’s bustling capital and Busan, located in the south known for its beaches and culture, all while delivering an in-depth exploration of the Korean art world for an international audience. The program includes introductory academic lectures and group discussions throughout the week, guided visits to art galleries and museums to encounter their founders and curators, a VIP visit to Art Busan, the most important art fair on the south coast of Korea, tours of the art districts in Seoul and Busan, and intimate studio visits with prominent Korean artists. Moreover, industry professionals actively shaping the art scene will serve as mentors, guiding participants in their discovery of the Korean art landscape.
This unique and immersive tour experience provides participants with the tools for a thorough understanding of the Korean art scene and they will walk away with valuable insights into this booming art market.
Optional evening events are offered throughout the duration of the course.
Please be advised that travel to and from Seoul, as well as accommodation, are not included. The course commences in Seoul, and on the fourth day, we will arrange transportation by train from Seoul to Busan.
Read more about the Sotheby’s Institute of Art partnership with LARRY’S LIST.
Identify key players in the Korean art market, including notable galleries, museums, auction houses, art fairs, and collections.
Sketch out South Korea's transformation into a leading market in Asia.
Articulate the cultural differences between Seoul and Busan.
Gain insights from visits to curated exhibitions and expert commentary on Korean contemporary art.
Explore Art Busan, a major art fair in Korea.
Gain insights into Busan's art trends and dynamics through interactions with industry experts.
Explore public collecting strategies prevalent in South Korea's world-leading number of private museum collections.
Receive mentorship from industry leaders actively shaping the art scene.
Faculty
Previously a management consultant, Christoph Noe decided to switch industries and work in the contemporary art scene. Initially focusing on Chinese contemporary art, later he co-founded LARRY'S LIST, the leading art market knowledge company providing data, research and access to contemporary art collectors.
Read MoreFaculty, Online Premier
Yulhee Kim majored in fine arts at the University of Pennsylvania, Parsons School of Design, and Walnut Hill School of Art in the United States. Early in her career, Yulhee coordinated educational programs for the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea Membership, the first Korean art collectors’ association to fund the museum's collections and ran an art advisory service for a private bank and a gallery for a banking group. Her diverse experience working in Beijing and Seoul since 2007 has allowed her to build relationships with many institutions, galleries, art fairs, collectors and art patrons throughout Asia.
Read MoreDay 1: Discover the evolution of the art market in Korea, covering key galleries, museums, auction houses, art fairs, and collections in the region. Then, learn how South Korea has developed into a leading market in Asia and globally.
Day 2: Explore Seoul's contemporary art market by engaging with global and local galleries and curators, exploring curated exhibitions and hearing expert commentary about Korean contemporary art. Enjoy a private dinner with art scholars and art world professionals.
Day 3: Explore traditional and contemporary art in Seoul. Visit the region’s leading museum collections, artist studios, a historic hanok, and a modern master’s atelier. Enjoy a private dinner with guests including local collectors and art patrons.
Day 4: Travel to Busan and visit Art Busan as a VIP guest. Visit Art Busan, a major art Korean fair during its VIP preview and engage with the most relevant art galleries that display the distinctive contemporary art of the city and beyond. Discuss observations as a group about the remarkable trends and dynamics present at the fair.
Day 5: Visit the landmark institution the Busan City Museum and engage in a conversation with its director about their current and future collecting strategies. Later, delve into the how and why of digital innovations in art and discover the future perspectives of the Korean art market through a lecture and group discussion.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 alumni around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
We highly encourage participants with at least 3 years of post-graduate work experience for a smooth and successful course experience. A general knowledge of the contemporary art world and market will also benefit participants.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Please be advised that travel to and from Seoul, as well as accommodation, are not included. The course commences in Seoul, and on the fourth day, we will arrange transportation by train from Seoul to Busan.
LARRY’S LIST is the leading art collector editorial and knowledge company providing data, research, and insider access to contemporary art collectors.