Korean contemporary art is gaining increasing attention worldwide. Major international museums and biennales are showcasing works by Korean artists, and global art markets are demonstrating a growing interest in Korean contemporary art. However, to move beyond temporary recognition and ensure that Korean artists secure a lasting presence in the international art world, a strategic approach is necessary. This article examines the key factors that can facilitate the growth of Korean contemporary art on the global stage.

 
 
Sustained Collaboration with International Art Institutions and Networks
 
First and foremost, establishing strong and enduring collaborations with leading international art institutions and networks is crucial. For Korean contemporary art to maintain a stable presence globally, it must go beyond simply being invited to international exhibitions. Instead, it must cultivate long-term relationships with major museums, biennales, and internationally renowned curators. Achieving this requires a multi-pronged approach:
 
Encouraging co-curated exhibitions with international museums and institutions is vital. Rather than relying on one-off participations, sustained collaboration ensures that Korean art remains an integral part of global art discourse. Establishing dedicated programs to introduce Korean contemporary art in key cultural hubs such as New York, London, Berlin, and Hong Kong would also be an effective strategy. Additionally, continuously strengthening networks with international curators and art directors is essential.
 
This approach parallels the successful international expansion of Japanese contemporary art. Led by figures like Takashi Murakami, Japanese artists have not only secured exhibition opportunities abroad but have also actively collaborated with global institutions to present ongoing projects that highlight Japanese art. The Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs and public institutions have played a pivotal role in supporting these initiatives and maintaining close ties with the global art scene.

 
Strengthening Connections with Global Art Discourse
 
Another key element in solidifying Korea’s position in the global art world is establishing deeper connections with international art discourse. While Korean artists are known for their distinctive expressions that blend tradition and modernity, there is a relative lack of critical discussions on how their works engage with contemporary global issues.
 
A crucial step would be increasing contributions and critical essays on Korean contemporary art in major international art journals such as ‘Artforum’, ‘Frieze’, and ‘e-flux’. Additionally, curatorial frameworks should position Korean artists within broader discussions on global issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, gender, and postcolonialism. Expanding collaboration with international art critics, scholars, and researchers would further help position Korean art within a wider global context.
 
A comparable example can be found in Latin American contemporary art, which has established a strong presence in the international art world through strategic engagement with global art discourse. Artists from Brazil and Argentina, such as Lygia Clark and Antonio Dias, actively interacted with European and American contemporary art movements, reinforcing the identity of Latin American contemporary art.

Similarly, Korean art should enhance its integration into international art movements while maintaining its unique cultural and historical contexts.

A significant case study is the 2017 exhibition 《Art and China after 1989: Theater of the World》 at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

This exhibition explored Chinese contemporary art from the post-Tiananmen period to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, featuring leading artists such as Ai Weiwei, Huang Yong Ping, and Zeng Fanzhi. It highlighted how the Western art world interprets and incorporates Chinese contemporary art into global discourse, setting a precedent for how national art scenes can establish themselves internationally.
 
Korean contemporary art must similarly collaborate with major museums to curate large-scale group exhibitions that encourage international engagement and discourse.


 
Establishing Long-Term Support Systems for Artists’ Global Careers
 
One-time exhibition opportunities alone are insufficient for Korean artists to sustain their influence in the global art scene. To gain a strong foothold in the international market, a long-term support system for overseas activities must be developed.
 
Expanding international artist residency and research opportunities is crucial. Providing long-term overseas stays and work opportunities will allow Korean artists to deepen their engagement with international audiences. Additionally, fostering continuous relationships with international galleries and collectors will facilitate the global circulation of Korean artworks. Public and private sector support must also be expanded to include structured funding programs, government and corporate sponsorships, and comprehensive artist mobility grants.

Germany and France provide useful models through initiatives such as the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program and the Villa Medici residency, which offer emerging artists sustained opportunities to work abroad. Similarly, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs runs overseas training programs that actively support Japanese artists’ global careers.

Korea must establish a strategic support system that enables artists to maintain long-term international engagements rather than relying on short-term funding opportunities.
 

 
The Future of Korean Contemporary Art: A Commitment to Sustainable Globalization
 
For Korean contemporary art to achieve lasting competitiveness on the global stage, a comprehensive long-term strategy is essential. Beyond merely securing overseas exhibition opportunities, the art world must work to strengthen collaborations with major international institutions, critically position Korean art within global discourse, and develop sustainable support systems for artists’ long-term careers abroad.
 
The global success of the Korean film industry offers a compelling parallel. Before director Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” won the Academy Award, the Korean film sector had spent years refining its international outreach strategies and leveraging global networks. Building on this groundwork, the production of globally-scaled films has become possible, as seen in this year’s release of “Mickey 17”.

Likewise, for Korean contemporary art to move beyond short-term visibility and establish enduring influence in the global art market, it must enhance international collaborations, engage with global discourse, and build long-term support structures for artists. By adopting these measures, Korean art can secure its place as a defining force in the global art scene, moving beyond temporary trends to achieve lasting recognition.

Jay Jongho Kim graduated from the Department of Art Theory at Hongik University and earned his master's degree in Art Planning from the same university. From 1996 to 2006, he worked as a curator at Gallery Seomi, planning director at CAIS Gallery, head of the curatorial research team at Art Center Nabi, director at Gallery Hyundai, and curator at Gana New York. From 2008 to 2017, he served as the executive director of Doosan Gallery Seoul & New York and Doosan Residency New York, introducing Korean contemporary artists to the local scene in New York. After returning to Korea in 2017, he worked as an art consultant, conducting art education, collection consulting, and various art projects. In 2021, he founded A Project Company and is currently running the platforms K-ARTNOW.COM and K-ARTIST.COM, which aim to promote Korean contemporary art on the global stage.