Seoul Collector Mari Hong on Living with Art and Avoiding Regret
Over the past ten years, Mari Hong, an art collector from Seoul with a background in fashion design, has curated a contemporary art collection that includes pieces by artists such as Alex Katz and Philippe Parreno. This collection, which also features exhibition catalogues and her personal notes, serves as a 'living archive of contemporary art.' Embracing the philosophy of 'living with art,' Hong arranges her home to reflect the energy of the artists. She frequents five to seven major art fairs each year, a practice rooted in her childhood. In a recent interview, she shared that her initial acquisitions were teddy-bear artworks. Her most recent purchase, made in August 2026, was a piece by Mia Chaplin. For galleries and dining, she recommends Hannam-dong and Samcheong-dong, and enjoys taking walks on Namsan Mountain with her dog, Byeoli.
Key facts
- Mari Hong is a Seoul-based art collector with a background in fashion design and marketing.
- Her collection includes works by Alex Katz, Philippe Parreno, Yuko Mohri, Otani Workshop, and Issy Wood.
- She has created a 'living archive of contemporary art' in her home, including catalogues, VIP passes, and studio notes.
- Her first acquisitions were teddy-bear-motif pieces placed on study bookshelves.
- In August 2026, she acquired a work by Mia Chaplin via Whatiftheworld gallery after visiting her studio in Cape Town.
- She travels to five to seven major international art fairs and biennials annually.
- She recommends Hannam-dong and Samcheong-dong districts in Seoul for galleries and dining.
- She suggests visiting Sinheung Market in Haebangchon for a bohemian side of Seoul.
- She retreats to Namsan Mountain and Herb Village near the DMZ.
- Her philosophy is 'living with art'.
Entities
Artists
- Mari Hong
- Alex Katz
- Philippe Parreno
- Yuko Mohri
- Otani Workshop
- Issy Wood
- Mia Chaplin
- Brent Wadden
Institutions
- The Art Newspaper
- Whatiftheworld gallery
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Cape Town
- South Africa
- Hannam-dong
- Samcheong-dong
- Biwon
- Sinheung Market
- Haebangchon
- Namsan Mountain
- Herb Village
- DMZ