Gwangju Biennale 2026 – Dates, Tickets, Exhibitors & Guide
📍 Asia
September – November 2026 (exact days TBA)
Gwangju, Republic of Korea – Biennale Exhibition Hall + citywide venues
📍 Event Overview
Gwangju Biennale 2026
The 16th Gwangju Biennale is one of Asia’s most influential art events, turning the city of Gwangju into a living museum of contemporary art. From September to November 2026, visitors will discover large-scale installations, films, performances, and research-based projects spread across the Biennale Exhibition Hall and multiple city venues.
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Dates:• Public run: September – November 2026 (exact dates TBA)
• Preview & professional days: to be announced by the Biennale Foundation -
Location:• Main venue: Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall (north of downtown)
• Citywide pavilions & partner sites: museums, cultural centers, historic buildings, and outdoor public spaces all across Gwangju
This edition is curated by Ho Tzu Nyen, a Singaporean artist and thinker celebrated for exploring myth, media, and history in Asia. Under his vision, the Biennale will connect global contemporary art with Gwangju’s spirit of democracy, resilience, and civic action.
Expect a city filled with energy, ideas, and unforgettable experiences.
Expect a city filled with energy, ideas, and unforgettable experiences.
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Mission:The mission of the Gwangju Biennale is to create a stage where art, history, and civic life meet. Since its foundation, it has been committed to democracy, freedom, and global dialogue. -
Organizer:Gwangju Biennale Foundation, in partnership with the City of Gwangju and international cultural institutions.
🎯 Key Highlights of Gwangju Biennale 2026
- 🎨 Main Exhibition curated by Ho Tzu Nyen — with cross-media works (film, sound, installations, archives)
- 🌍 Pavilions Program — national and institutional partners presenting their own curated projects across the city
- 🎭 Performances & screenings — daily programs and special evening events
- 📚 Talks & field labs — critical discussions with artists, curators, and scholars
- 🏙 Citywide routes — explore Gwangju’s neighborhoods alongside art
Why attend to Gwangju Biennale 2026?
- To experience Asia’s leading contemporary art biennial 🌏
- To discover emerging and established artists from across the globe
- To walk through a city transformed into a giant exhibition space
- To connect with the spirit of democracy and cultural resilience unique to Gwangju
- To enjoy the mix of art, food, and local culture in a vibrant Korean city
🎟️ Ticket Information
• Day passes, multi-day passes, and concessions will be available (details TBA)
• Official ticketing: via gwangjubiennale.org closer to the opening
• Official ticketing: via gwangjubiennale.org closer to the opening
🚗 Getting There:
- ✈️ By Air
- Gwangju Airport (KWJ): closest to the city, mainly domestic flights (e.g. from Seoul–Gimpo).
- Muan International Airport (MWX): around 1 hour away by bus/taxi, serves international routes.
- Seoul Incheon (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP): main entry points for international visitors; from here you can transfer to train or domestic flight.
- 🚄 By Train
- KTX high-speed train from Seoul (Yongsan Station) → GwangjuSongjeong Station in about 2.5 hours.
- From Songjeong Station, connect by metro (Line 1) or taxi to downtown and Biennale sites.
- 🚌 By Bus
- Express buses from Seoul (Express Bus Terminal) depart every 20–30 minutes. Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours.
- Main terminal in Gwangju: U-Square Bus Terminal, well connected to local transport.
- 🚕 Within Gwangju
- Metro (Line 1), city buses, and taxis are reliable.
- Biennale Exhibition Hall is in Buk-gu (north district), easiest by taxi or direct bus from downtown.
💡 Tip: If you plan to travel across Korea (Seoul, Busan, Jeonju), consider a Korea Rail Pass for unlimited KTX rides.
🏨 Accommodation
Gwangju offers a wide range of options for every budget:
• 🏙 Downtown (Dong-gu): Great for mixing art visits with nightlife, food, and shopping. About 15 minutes by taxi to the Biennale Hall.
• 🎨 Near Biennale Hall (Buk-gu): Perfect if your focus is only the Biennale. Business hotels and mid-range stays within walking distance.
• 💸 Budget options: Hostels and guesthouses near Gwangju Station and U-Square Bus Terminal.
• 🌿 Traditional Hanok stays: For a unique experience, some local guesthouses are in restored Korean houses.
💡 Book early! Hotels fill quickly during the Biennale season. Ideally, secure your stay 3–4 months in advance.
Gwangju offers a wide range of options for every budget:
• 🏙 Downtown (Dong-gu): Great for mixing art visits with nightlife, food, and shopping. About 15 minutes by taxi to the Biennale Hall.
• 🎨 Near Biennale Hall (Buk-gu): Perfect if your focus is only the Biennale. Business hotels and mid-range stays within walking distance.
• 💸 Budget options: Hostels and guesthouses near Gwangju Station and U-Square Bus Terminal.
• 🌿 Traditional Hanok stays: For a unique experience, some local guesthouses are in restored Korean houses.
💡 Book early! Hotels fill quickly during the Biennale season. Ideally, secure your stay 3–4 months in advance.
Secure Your Spot at Gwangju Biennale 2026 — Before It’s Too Late
Tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Get instant access to the official Gwangju Biennale registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
🔔 Early access. 🎫 Limited availability. 🌍 Global art at your fingertips.
Get instant access to the official Gwangju Biennale registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
🔔 Early access. 🎫 Limited availability. 🌍 Global art at your fingertips.
🎨 Gallery: Gwangju Biennale 2026
History of Gwangju Biennale 2026
- 1995 — The Gwangju Biennale is born with the theme “Beyond the Borders.” It was Asia’s very first large-scale biennial of contemporary art, symbolizing hope after years of division.
- 2000s–2010s — The Biennale grew into an international reference point, bringing together artists, curators, and thinkers who shaped global discourse. It became known for politically aware and experimental exhibitions.
- Recent editions — The 15th Biennale in 2024 used the theme of “Pansori”, a traditional Korean narrative performance, reimagined as a global soundscape for the 21st century.
- 2026 horizon — The 16th edition, curated by Ho Tzu Nyen, continues the legacy of Gwangju as a city of resilience and art, embracing nuance, mythology, and transformation.
🎨 Mission of Gwangju Biennale 2026
In 2026 the mission expands:
• ✨ To transform post-war histories and contemporary urgencies into artistic visions
• 🏛 To activate the city – turning exhibition halls, pavilions, and streets into open art spaces
• 🌍 To connect Asian and global artists in a dialogue about migration, climate, memory, and technology
• 💡 To prove that art is not only for galleries, but also a tool for change in society
This Biennale is a reminder that art can carry the voices of communities, speak to the past, and project new futures.
💡 Tips for Visitors of Gwangju Biennale 2026
- Plan at least 2–3 days to explore both the Main Exhibition and Pavilions
- 📅 Check the schedule of performances/talks early — some are ticketed or have limited seating
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot between venues)
- ☔️ Weather in autumn can be unpredictable — bring an umbrella or light jacket
- 🔋 Don’t forget a power bank for your phone — lots of media artworks and maps to follow
- 🕒 Opening Hours: Typically: Tue–Sun, 10:00 – 18:00. Mondays closed (except during opening week & special events)
Be the First to Access
Official Gwangju Biennale 2026 Tickets
Official Gwangju Biennale 2026 Tickets
Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the world’s leading art fairs. Get direct access to the official ticketing page, exclusive updates, and important visitor information.
🎟️ Priority access. 💬 Expert tips. 📍 Republic of Korea-ready.
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