ART GWANGJU 26 is the 17th Gwangju International Art Fair. It runs for four days, from Thursday, October 22 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Halls A, B and C of the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju. About 110 galleries from 12 countries are taking part, which makes it the largest international art fair in the Honam region (southwestern Korea). Adult tickets cost 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) if you book online and 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD) if you buy at the door.
What Is ART GWANGJU 26?
ART GWANGJU 26 puts the latest in Korean and international contemporary art, and the latest moves in the art market, in one place. Galleries, artists and collectors from Korea and abroad come to show work and meet each other. The fair also links Gwangju and South Jeolla with the wider art world.
The host is Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (전남광주통합특별시). The Gwangju Cultural Foundation (광주문화재단) and the fair’s own organizing office run the event. The organizers want more than a place to buy and sell art. They want a fair where visitors discover new work and where the region connects with the rest of the world, so that the local art scene grows.
This year’s 110 or so galleries come from 12 countries, including countries in the Middle East and Europe. You’ll see painting, sculpture, media art and many other forms of contemporary art.
ART GWANGJU 26 Dates and Opening Hours
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 2026-10-22 (Thu) – 2026-10-25 (Sun) |
| Venue | Kimdaejung Convention Center, Halls A, B & C (김대중컨벤션센터 A·B·C홀) |
| Address | 30 Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (Chipyeong-dong) (전남광주통합특별시 서구 상무누리로 30 (치평동)) |
| Age requirement | All ages |
| Contact | 062-670-7442 |
| artgwangju.official@gmail.com | |
| Website | https://artgwangju.kr/ko/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/artgwangju.official/ |
Opening hours change from day to day. On the first day, Thursday, October 22, the VIP opening and the opening ceremony take up the afternoon. General admission starts at 5 p.m.
| Date | Session | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 22 (Thu) | VIP opening | 14:00–17:00 |
| Oct 22 (Thu) | Opening ceremony (Kimdaejung Convention Center lobby) | 17:00–18:00 |
| Oct 22 (Thu) | General admission | 17:00–19:00 |
| Oct 23 (Fri) – 24 (Sat) | General admission | 10:30–19:00 |
| Oct 25 (Sun) | General admission | 10:30–18:00 |
The fair closes an hour earlier on the final Sunday.
ART GWANGJU 26 Special Exhibitions and Programs
This year has four special exhibitions. They show carefully chosen artworks, pieces from local collectors and work by young artists from Gwangju and South Jeolla, so the fair works as an exhibition as well as a market.
| Exhibition | What’s on show |
|---|---|
| Hyeondaemisurui Yeongung (《현대미술의 영웅》, “Heroes of Contemporary Art”) | Work by world-famous artists of Pop Art and beyond, including Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, David Hockney, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat |
| Propose (《프로포즈》) | Works owned by collectors who backed artists early, showing what those artists could become and what the collectors saw in them |
| Rising Star (《라이징 스타》) | The original work of four promising emerging artists from Gwangju and South Jeolla |
| Spectrum (《스펙트럼》) | Media art built from light, movement and the passing of time |
The main programs are a VIP docent tour, a public docent tour, a kids’ art program and an art shop. Gwangju-Jeonnam Art Week takes place at the same time, with a stamp tour linking major art museums in the region.
Docent Tour and Kids & Family Workshop Schedule
| Program | Times | Length | Price & requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP docent tour | Thu 14:30 & 17:30 / Fri–Sun 11:30, 14:30 & 16:30 | About 60 min | Free for VIPs; show your VIP card at the information desk |
| Public docent tour | Thu 14:00–17:00 / Fri–Sun 12:00–17:00, every hour on the hour | About 60 min | 5,000 KRW (~$4 USD) per person |
| Kids & family workshop booth (Chireuneunsibil (치르는시빌), Booth D-37) | Thu 14:30–18:30 / Fri & Sat 10:30–18:30 / Sun 10:30–17:30 | About 60 min | Paid (price not announced), 8 people per session, ticket holders only |
Book the VIP docent tour on YES24 in advance. If seats are left, you can sign up at the information desk on site. The public docent tour has two routes, A and B, led by four docents. You can book it on YES24 too, and any leftover spots are paid for on site.
At the kids & family booth, children make a mini flowerpot, a wire mini bouquet and a pouring-art keyring. You can book ahead on YES24 or sign up on the day, but sessions may fill up early.
ART GWANGJU 26 Tickets, Discounts and Free Admission
Booking online is cheaper than paying at the door. Adults are ages 19–64, teens are 13–18 and children are 7–12. VIP tickets have no age limit.
| Ticket | Online | On site | On-site discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP | 40,000 KRW (~$30 USD) | 50,000 KRW (~$37 USD) | 48,000 KRW (~$36 USD) |
| Adult | 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) | 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD) | 12,000 KRW (~$9 USD) |
| Teen | 6,000 KRW (~$4 USD) | 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) | 8,000 KRW (~$6 USD) |
| Child | 4,000 KRW (~$3 USD) | 8,000 KRW (~$6 USD) | 6,000 KRW (~$4 USD) |
The on-site discount is for residents of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and for people holding a Yeosu World Island Expo (여수세계섬박람회) ticket. You can buy online tickets from YES24, NOL (Yanolja) and Neolwihan99 (널위한99).
Who Gets In Free
These groups get in free once staff check proof on site:
- University and graduate students majoring in art
- Holders of a disability welfare card
- National merit recipients
- Preschool children
- People aged 65 and over
VIP Ticket Perks
- Unlimited entry during the fair (plus one companion)
- 50% off art merchandise and catalogs
- Entry to the Collectors’ Lounge (companion included)
- Free VIP docent tour
- One coffee coupon (while supplies last)
How to Get to ART GWANGJU 26 at Kimdaejung Convention Center
The closest station is Kimdaejung Convention Center Station on Gwangju Metro Line 1. The table shows the public transport routes from the official guide. The guide doesn’t give travel times or fares for any of them.
| From | Route |
|---|---|
| Gwangju Airport | Gwangju Metro Line 1 or city bus 160 |
| Gwangju Songjeong Station (KTX) | Gwangju Metro Line 1 or city bus 160 |
| Gwangju Bus Terminal (U-Square) (광주종합버스터미널(유·스퀘어)) | City buses 518, Sangmu 64 (상무64), Sunhwan 01 (순환01) or Jwaseok 02 (좌석02) |
The official guide doesn’t cover routes from Seoul, Busan, Incheon International Airport or Gimhae International Airport, and it doesn’t list taxi fares. If you’re coming from another city, get to Gwangju Songjeong Station (a KTX stop), Gwangju Airport or Gwangju Bus Terminal first, then use one of the routes above.
The official visitor page has no information on driving or parking. If you plan to drive, call the Kimdaejung Convention Center main line (062-611-2000) before you go.
Visitor Information for International Guests
The fair’s official website has an English visitor page (https://artgwangju.kr/en/visit/) that covers ticket prices and visiting information. The official guide doesn’t say whether there’s English help or interpretation on site, whether cards are accepted, or where to store luggage. If you need to know, contact the fair office before your visit by email (artgwangju.official@gmail.com) or phone (062-670-7442).
Tips for Visiting ART GWANGJU 26
- Book online to save money. An adult ticket is 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) online and 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD) at the door, a 5,000 KRW (~$4 USD) difference.
- Reserve docent tours ahead of time. You can book the public docent tour (5,000 KRW (~$4 USD) per person) on YES24. Only leftover spots are sold on site.
- With kids, go to the workshop booth first. Each kids & family session takes only 8 people, so it can fill up early.
- General admission on day one is short. On Thursday, October 22, it runs only from 17:00 to 19:00. For a relaxed visit, go on Friday or Saturday.
- Bring proof if you qualify for free entry. Art students, visitors aged 65 and over and the other free groups have their documents checked on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and opening hours for ART GWANGJU 26?
ART GWANGJU 26 runs from Thursday, October 22 to Sunday, October 25, 2026. On the 22nd, the VIP opening is 14:00–17:00 and general admission is 17:00–19:00. On Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th, hours are 10:30–19:00. On Sunday the 25th, hours are 10:30–18:00.
How much are ART GWANGJU 26 tickets, and where can I book online?
An adult ticket costs 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) online or 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD) on site. You can book online on YES24, NOL (Yanolja) and Neolwihan99. VIP tickets are 40,000 KRW (~$30 USD) online and 50,000 KRW (~$37 USD) on site.
Who gets free admission or a discount?
Art students at university or graduate level, disability welfare card holders, national merit recipients, preschool children and people aged 65 and over get in free. Staff check proof on site. Residents of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and Yeosu World Island Expo ticket holders pay the on-site discount price (12,000 KRW (~$9 USD) for adults).
How do I get from Gwangju Songjeong Station or Gwangju Airport to Kimdaejung Convention Center?
Take Gwangju Metro Line 1 or city bus 160. The nearest station is Kimdaejung Convention Center Station on Line 1. From Gwangju Bus Terminal, take city bus 518, Sangmu 64, Sunhwan 01 or Jwaseok 02.
How do I book the docent tours and kids’ workshops?
You can book both on YES24 in advance. The public docent tour costs 5,000 KRW (~$4 USD) per person, and leftover spots are paid for on site. The kids & family workshop booth is for ticket holders only. You can also sign up on the day, but sessions may fill up early.
How many galleries take part in ART GWANGJU 26?
About 110 galleries from 12 countries, including countries in the Middle East and Europe, take part. They show painting, sculpture, media art and other kinds of work.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, visitors of all ages are welcome. Preschool children get in free, and children aged 7–12 pay 4,000 KRW (~$3 USD) online. At the kids & family workshop booth, children can make a mini flowerpot, a wire mini bouquet and a keyring.
Is parking available?
The official visitor guide has no parking information. If you’re driving, call the Kimdaejung Convention Center main line (062-611-2000) before you go.
