South Korean Arts & Books | Korea JoongAng Daily

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Art Center Nabi in Jongno District, central Seoul [JOONGANG ILBO]

Art Center Nabi to reopen in new home after legal battle with SK Group

After a court decision forced the Art Center Nabi out of the SK Group headquarters, Korea's first media art institution — led by Roh Soh-yeong, the former wife of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won — is starting over on its own terms.

2026.6.3

Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi, the 2026 winner of the prestigious International Booker Prize, answers questions about her book at a press event in Jung District, central Seoul, on June 1. [YONHAP]

Booker Prize winner Yang hopes literature can 'extend lifespan' of conversations on societal change

Yang Shuang-zi, the 2026 winner of the prestigious International Booker Prize, said Monday she hopes literature will serve as a powerful and lasting tool for a changing society by carrying messages to future generations.

2026.6.1

Popular in Arts and Books

Artist Damien Hirst holds his work during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo in London in 2008. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Damien Hirst to discuss his art philosophy at MMCA special dialogue event on June 10

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) will host a special dialogue with famed contemporary artist Damien Hirst on June 10.

2026.6.1

A bookstore in central Seoul on May 10. [YONHAP]

Korean literature to take center stage in Paris at event marking 140 years of ties

Korea will showcase a wide range of its literature in Paris next week, from classics to contemporary genres, such as science fiction and "healing" fiction, organizers said Friday, as the two countries mark 140 years of diplomatic relations.

2026.5.29

The co-directors of the 2026 Busan Biennale, Evelyn Simons, right, and Amal Khalaf, speak during a press conference for the biennale at the Seoul Press Center in Jung District, central Seoul, on May 27. [YONHAP]

2026 Busan Biennale 'Dissident Chorus' turns its attention to sound amid an overexposure to the visual

The 2026 Busan Biennale will open under the title “Dissident Chorus” on Aug. 29, with 44 artists and teams from 23 countries spread across three venues on two of the city’s islands.

2026.5.27

A portrait of late former President Roh Moo-hyun painted by former U.S. President George W. Bush [AWAKENED CITIZENS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE EXHIBITION HALL]

Portrait of ex-President Roh Moo-hyun by ex-U.S. President George W. Bush gets first public showing

A portrait of late former President Roh Moo-hyun, painted by former U.S. President George W. Bush, has been unveiled to the public for the first time at a special exhibition, organizers said Tuesday.

2026.5.26

Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto speaks during the 17th Culture Communication Forum (CCF) hosted by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) at the ambassador's residence in Yongsan District, central Seoul on May 21. [COREA IMAGE COMMUNICATION INSTITUTE]

CICI holds 17th Culture Communication Forum at Italian ambassador's residence

The Corea Image Communication Institute held its 17th Culture Communication Forum on Thursday at the Italian ambassador’s residence in Seoul.

2026.5.21

A view of Korean artist Lee Jong-gu's solo exhibition ″Pensive″ at Hakgojae Gallery in Jongno District, central Seoul [HAKGOJAE GALLERY]

Lee Jong-gu turns 'Pensive' in self-reflective solo exhibition at Hakgojae Gallery

Veteran painter Lee Jong-gu, a central figure in Korea's 1980s minjung art movement — which emerged in opposition to Korea's authoritarian rule and rapid industrialization — opened his solo exhibition “Pensive” at Hakgojae Gallery on Wednesday.

2026.5.20

The Centre Pompidou Hanwha located at the foot of the 63 Building in Yeouido, western Seoul is seen on May 19. [CENTRE POMPIDOU HANWHA]

The Centre Pompidou's 'Constellation' gets new star as Hanwha branch prepares Cubist exhibition

The Centre Pompidou's Hanwha branch is set to open a new exhibition featuring Cubist artwork, expanding its offerings and enhancing cultural engagement in Korea.

2026.5.19

A view of the Plas Art Show's 2025 edition at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul [PLAS ART SHOW]

Plas Art Show goes back to basics with renewed focus on its sculpture, 3-D work

The Plas Art Show returns for its 11th edition from June 4, featuring 102 galleries and 3,500 works under the theme “New Chance,” with stricter curation to maintain its sculptural focus amid rising costs.

2026.5.18

South Korean Arts & Books | Korea JoongAng Daily

Arts and Books

Latest News

Art Center Nabi to reopen in new home after legal battle with SK Group

Booker Prize winner Yang hopes literature can 'extend lifespan' of conversations on societal change

Popular in Arts and Books

Audeum Audio Museum opens doors for open ears

Art Center Nabi to reopen in new home after legal battle with SK Group

Damien Hirst to discuss his art philosophy at MMCA special dialogue event on June 10

Korean literature to take center stage in Paris at event marking 140 years of ties

2026 Busan Biennale 'Dissident Chorus' turns its attention to sound amid an overexposure to the visual

Portrait of ex-President Roh Moo-hyun by ex-U.S. President George W. Bush gets first public showing

CICI holds 17th Culture Communication Forum at Italian ambassador's residence

Lee Jong-gu turns 'Pensive' in self-reflective solo exhibition at Hakgojae Gallery

The Centre Pompidou's 'Constellation' gets new star as Hanwha branch prepares Cubist exhibition

Plas Art Show goes back to basics with renewed focus on its sculpture, 3-D work