Korea Festivals

The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》

Oct 22 – Oct 25, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

Art Gwangju is the largest international art fair in the Honam region, offering a comprehensive view of trends in contemporary art and the art market, both domestic and international, in one place. It is a gathering where domestic and international galleries, artists, and collectors come together to showcase works, discover new artistic value, and exchange ideas, serving as a hub for cultural and artistic exchange connecting Gwangju and Jeonnam with the global art world. It is hosted by Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and organized by the Gwangju Cultural Foundation and Art Gwangju.

Art Gwangju 26 will feature approximately 110 galleries from 12 countries, domestic and international, including the Middle East and Europe, presenting diverse currents of contemporary art such as painting, sculpture, and media art. In particular, through special exhibitions — 《Heroes of Contemporary Art》, 《Propose》, 《Rising Star》, and 《Spectrum》 — it will broadly showcase carefully selected artworks, works from local collectors' collections, and pieces by young artists from Gwangju and Jeonnam, expanding the exhibition value of the art fair.

Art Gwangju aims to go beyond a mere marketplace for buying and selling art, serving as an international platform for cultural and artistic exchange where the value of art and new creativity are discovered and where the region and the world engage with one another, thereby broadening the foundation of art in Gwangju and Jeonnam and laying the groundwork for sustained growth.

Why go

Art Gwangju is the largest international art fair in Korea's Honam region, bringing around 110 galleries from 12 countries together to showcase contemporary painting, sculpture, and media art. Visitors can also see curated special exhibitions (Heroes of Contemporary Art, Propose, Rising Star, and Spectrum) featuring regional collectors' pieces and young Gwangju/Jeonnam artists.

Getting there from Seoul

Take the KTX from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Gwangju Songjeong Station (roughly 2 hours), then continue by taxi or local transit to the venue at Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu. An express bus from Seoul's Central City Terminal to Gwangju is also available if you prefer a direct bus connection.

Tips

  • Confirm exact opening hours and ticket prices on the official Art Gwangju channels closer to the dates, as these were not specified.
  • Since this is an art-market fair with galleries, allow a few hours to browse both the main booths and the special exhibitions.
  • Book KTX tickets in advance for the October travel period, as weekend trains to Gwangju can sell out.

Best for: art lovers, collectors, photographers, culture travelers.

  • The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • The 17th Gwangju International Art Fair 《Art Gwangju》
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site