[Treasures from National Museum of Korea] Seogam-ri Gold Buckle of Pyongyang

Period - Nangrang Commandery Materials - Gold Category - Buckle Dimensions - 9.4 cm in length Designation - National Treasure This pure gold belt buckle is a 1st-century National Treasure crafted during the Nangrang (Lelang) period, following the fall of Gojoseon. Hundreds of tiny gold granules have been meticulously attached to a thin gold plate, while the rim is embellished with twisted gold wire. A total of 53.6 grams of gold was used in its creation. At the center is a large dragon surrounde

2026-06-03 11:41:46:00

Alex Katz's studies reveal how fleeting moments are transformed into paintings

Alex Katz’s pursuit of the fleeting present takes center stage at the exhibition “Studies” at Thaddaeus Ropac gallery in Seoul, unveiling how the American painter captures a passing moment before refining it into his signature large-format canvases. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse of the working process of the celebrated artist, now 97, whose career spans more than seven decades. Rather than focusing solely on the monumental portraits and landscapes that made him internationally renowned, t

2026-06-02 14:29:38:00

Why ambiguity matters to German painter Andi Fischer

For German painter Andi Fischer, some of the most important moments in painting happen when things do not go according to plan. "Failure is not the opposite of success, but part of the same process," Fischer said in a recent written interview with The Korea Herald. The artist’s latest exhibition in Seoul, "Feil Good" at Gallery Baton in the spring, reflected a philosophy that embraces uncertainty, mistakes and unexpected outcomes. Rather than treating failure as something negative, Fischer sees

2026-06-01 08:15:45:00

Architect Lee Jang-hwan named curator of Korean Pavilion at 2027 Venice Biennale

The Arts Council Korea (Arko) has appointed Architect Lee Jang-hwan as the artistic director of the Korean Pavilion at the 2027 Venice Biennale. Centered on the theme of hyper-shrinkage, the planned exhibition combines research on contemporary regional cities with proposals for future architectural and urban models. According to Arko, commissioner of the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Lee focuses on abandoned spaces and aging residential structures left in the wake of rapid population d

2026-05-31 13:22:11:00

Hanbok gets dressier for modern celebrations

The term hanbok, literally meaning "Korean clothing," emerged to distinguish it from clothing that entered Korea in the 19th century: "yangbok," meaning "western clothing." Korea's traditional attire has been around for centuries, but is no longer considered everyday clothing. Instead, hanbok tends to be reserved for special occasions and ceremonies such as weddings, first birthdays, and lunar new year and Chuseok celebrations. "Today's common perception of traditional hanbok is largely based on

2026-05-30 16:00:00:00

Busan Biennale 2026 explores coexistence through 'Dissident Chorus'

The 2026 Busan Biennale will transform the city into a multisensory stage of sound, performance and collective experience under the title "Dissident Chorus," emphasizing coexistence through tension, difference and resonance. Running from Aug. 29 to Nov. 1 across the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, former Busan Nam High School and Space OneZ, the biennale will feature 44 artists and teams from 23 countries, with additional participants to be announced later. Led by co-artistic directors Evelyn

2026-05-28 14:48:26:00

[Treasures from National Museum of Korea] Melon-shaped Celadon Bottle

Melon-shaped Celadon Bottle Period - Goryeo Dynasty Materials - Celadon Category - flower vase Dimensions - H. 22.6 cm, (mouth) D. 8.4 cm, (bottom) D. 7.4 cm Designation - National Treasure Widely celebrated for its translucent jade-green glaze and refined inlay decoration, Goryeo celadon first emerged between the late ninth and early 10th centuries before reaching its peak in the 12th century. Celadon wares from this golden age are distinguished by their innovative use of inlay techniques, in w

2026-05-27 14:05:50:00

Yoo Young-kuk rediscovered in landmark retrospective

At the age of 48, Korea’s abstract art pioneer Yoo Young-kuk opened his first solo exhibition in 1964 after devoting himself fully to painting. That had meant giving up on juggling art with his other work as a fisherman and running his family’s brewery business in his hometown of Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province. He turned away from academic posts as well, believing that an artist should commit fully to developing their own artistic world. The year marked a turning point for Yoo, whose iconic mo

2026-05-27 14:05:34:00

Lee Ufan: ‘The process matters. Above all, encounters matter.'

VENICE, Italy -- Large brushstrokes spread across white canvases evoke both tension and harmony through rhythm and negative space. In another room, stones and steel plates face one another in silent confrontation. Korean-born artist Lee Ufan’s works may initially appear minimal and deceptively simple, but the artist says they emerged only after countless repetitions, effort and moments of contemplation. "Controlling strength is important (when painting). It only emerges after an enormous amount

2026-05-24 16:00:00:00

CICI forum examines what makes K-content globally competitive

The Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI) held the 17th Culture Communication Forum on Thursday, exploring the future of Korean cultural content and its competitiveness. Held at the residence of the Italian ambassador in Seoul, the forum brought together some 50 leading cultural figures and business leaders. Italian ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto described the Italian ambassador’s residence as a "place where Italy and Korea meet,” adding that the residence was "your home" for the evening.

2026-05-22 15:29:10:00