A Foreign-Friendly Guide for Navigating the Korean Art Scene

Written By Diana Martínez

If you are interested in exploring the Korean art scene, there are plenty of ways to do so, whether you are a local or a tourist. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various art platforms, apps, and websites that can help you stay up-to-date with the latest exhibitions and cultural activities, even if you don't speak Korean.

For those interested in adding Korean to their experience, I have included some useful vocabulary and expressions that can help you navigate these platforms and make the most of your visit to museums and galleries in Korea.

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION

When it comes to discovering the vibrant Korean art scene, it's crucial to know where to begin your search. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to us. From social media platforms to online art communities, and even lesser-known sources such as podcasts, mobile apps, and newsletters, there are many convenient ways to stay up-to-date with the latest exhibitions and activities.

Let’s explore some of these options.

1.SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a great place to learn about Korean art. Instagram and TikTok are good options, with automatic translation available on Instagram. Twitter is also useful for time-sensitive updates and is especially useful in Art Fairs and Biennales Season.

You can start your search by using hashtags like #koreanart, #koreanartist, and #koreanmuseum.

For location-based searches, try #seoulexhibition or #seoulgallery. You can also search by event or exhibition name, such as #FriezeSeoul or #BusanFilmFestival.

Follow cultural spaces like MMCA, Seoul Museum of Art, Amore Pacific Museum, National Museum of Korea, and Leeum Museum. Keep an eye on galleries like Kukje Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, PKM, and Space K.

2. ONLINE ART PLATFORMS

Nowadays, we can also find Korean art-dedicated platforms which are a great source for navigating the art scene, and which also come in handy to explore the exhibition calendar and other useful insights. They're mainly in English, but also you can find platforms that offer very accessible content in Korean.

SEOUL ART FRIEND

Seoul Art Friend is a platform focused on the contemporary art scene in Korea with up-to-date exhibition listings for the Seoul metropolitan area. This is in my opinion, the most complete website in English for those who want to have detailed information about current exhibitions. I strongly recommend following their Instagram account, with content both in English and Korean.

SMALL ART TALK

And, of course, I can't finish this list without mentioning Small Art Talk. This project started in 2021 as a podcast centered around exhibitions in Seoul. Since then, the content has expanded to focus on art and visual culture in Korea. This makes it a great resource for foreign audiences looking for accessible information on exhibitions and cultural events in Seoul. It is also a great place, especially for those interested in starting their journey in the Korean art scene. All content is offered in English, and you can follow updates on Instagram and YouTube.

3. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For the ones who would like to dive even deeper, in this section, you can find other resources to add to your list.

  • Podcast: Here’s a great resource for the ones who would like to add to their Korean listening practice. There are a wide range of podcasts discussing the latest issues in the art field, art history, and artist profiles. You can search by the #미술 (art) category on the Apple Podcast and Podbbang.

  • Newsletters: Almost all major museums and galleries have monthly newsletters with the latest insights. You can subscribe to their respective websites or add your email to the list during your visit.

  • Apps: Day Trip, which includes a curated list of cultural activities all across Korea. Also, Interpark is one of the main platforms for making ticket reservations for exhibitions and cultural activities.

  • Printed and traditional media: Art magazines: Public Art, Art in Culture, and Monthly Art (in Korean). Newspapers: Korean Herald and Korean Joong Ang Daily (in English).

BONUS: KOREAN BASIC ART VOCAB AND EXPRESSIONS

With all these resources to learn from, you may need a grasp of some basic Korean words and expressions to navigate your way on these platforms. The most elemental vocabulary includes terms such as:

  • 뮤지엄/컬러리: Museum / Gallery

  • 전시/전시회: Exhibition

  • 상설 전시: Permanent Exhibition

  • 특별전시: Special Exhibition

  • 작품: Artwork

  • 예술가 / 아티스티: Artist

And if you’re ready to put some Korean to the test, you may find these expressions very useful. I use if not all, many of them on each of my visits.

  • 전시 티겟 예약을 했어요 [jonsi tiget yeyageul haessoyo]: I made a reservation for one exhibition ticket.

  • 티겟 한 장 주세요 [tiget han jang juseyo]: One ticket, please.

  • 오디오 가이드는 무료예요? [odio gaideuneun muryoeyo]: Is the audio guide free?

  • 관람안내 영문 브로셔가 있어요?[gwalramannae yongmun beurosyoga issoyo]: Do you have an exhibition brochure in English?

  • 전시 어디서부터 시작해요?[jonsi odisobuto sijakaeyo]: Where does the exhibition start from?

  • 사진을 찍으면 되나요?[sajineul jjigeumyon dwenayo]: Can I take pictures?

  • 동영상 촬영이 가능해요?[dongyongsang chwaryongi ganeunghaeyo]: Can I record videos?

I hope you have found this content useful. If you did don’t hesitate to leave our message on Instagram and don’t forget to follow _@seoullista for daily art insights!

Diana Martínez