Korea’s art rise is being framed as a multi-city story, not just a Seoul narrative

A Foresight feature, based on a past AMA organized by ULTILAND, argues that South Korea’s growing influence in contemporary art and creative design now extends well beyond the usual focus on Seoul. In the discussion, ULTILAND art project lead Hannah and co-founder Tangtang describe Korea’s ascent as the product of a broader cultural ecosystem built over time, one that includes museums, galleries, art schools, collectors, biennials, and a strong youth culture. They also point to the country’s global cultural export machine, from K-pop and film to fashion and beauty, as a factor that has drawn wider attention to Korean art, architecture, and design. The conversation maps Seoul through several distinct art districts, including Samcheong-dong and Bukchon, Hannam-dong, Gangnam and Cheongdam, and Seongsu-dong, while naming the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Leeum Museum as key institutions. It also highlights Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul as a two-way link between international art systems and Korea’s domestic market. Beyond the capital, the speakers single out Gwangju, Busan, and Jeju as cities with different cultural logics, ranging from biennial-driven public discourse to coastal urban culture and nature-linked art spaces. The feature says Korea’s appeal lies not only in institutions or fairs, but in the way art is woven into everyday urban life.