Korea transforms into giant open-air gallery this month

The vibrant cityscape of South Korea is undergoing a radical metamorphosis this September, as the nation transforms into a colossal open-air gallery for a month-long artistic extravaganza. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Korea Arts Management Service, the 2026 Korea Art Festival officially kicked off on Tuesday, marking the third year of this biennial event.

The festival's expansive calendar spans the entire month of September, promising a cultural awakening for the entire country.

This year's festival aims to make art more accessible and inclusive, with a focus on democratizing art appreciation across Korea. It seeks to reinforce Korea's position as a leading contemporary art hub in Asia. The festival's ambitious lineup combines four major regional biennials held in Gwangju, Busan, Jeju, and Gyeonggi Province with two major commercial fairs in the capital cities of Seoul, showcasing the Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul events.

To enhance the festival's reach, 96 public and private museums across the country are participating by showcasing tailored exhibitions. The government has played a pivotal role in ensuring the arts are accessible to all, subsidizing tens of thousands of entry tickets with discounts ranging from 30 to 70 percent. Over 13,000 discounted tickets have already sold out, indicating the immense public interest in this cultural phenomenon.