British Museum's First Major Korean Art Exhibition in 40 Years to Open in 2026
The British Museum in London is set to unveil 'Korea,' a significant exhibition dedicated to Korean art and history, from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Marking the first major showcase of its kind in over four decades, the exhibit will present a diverse array of items spanning 2,000 years, including notable Goryeo ceramics and modern works by renowned artists like Nam June Paik and Do Ho Suh. Artifacts from the extensive collection of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee, now held by national museums, will highlight the ongoing legacy of Korean culture alongside prominent pieces from various prestigious institutions.
Key facts
- British Museum presents first major Korean art exhibition in 40+ years
- Exhibition runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027
- Spans 2,000 years of Korean art, from 300 BC to present
- Features works from Lee Kun-Hee Collection, donated to Korean national museums
- Includes over 23,000 objects donated after Lee Kun-Hee's death
- Collaboration with National Museum of Korea and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Highlights include Jeong Seon's 'Clearing after the Rain on Mount Inwang'
- Contemporary artists Nam June Paik and Do Ho Suh are featured
- Frieze Seoul returns for fifth edition in September 2026
- Exhibition explores cultural history behind the Korean Wave (hallyu)
Entities
Artists
- Nam June Paik
- Do Ho Suh
- Jeong Seon
- Kim Insoong
Institutions
- British Museum
- National Museum of Korea
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Samsung
- Frieze Seoul
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Washington DC
- United States
- Chicago
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Mount Inwang