About this festival
Founded in 1995 as part of Gwangju's process of democratic reconciliation, the Gwangju Biennale is now one of the most internationally respected biennials in the world, drawing curators and artists of the stature of Venice or Sao Paulo. The 16th edition in 2026 takes its title from Rilke's poem and is curated by Ho Tzu Nyen (Singapore) together with Che Kyongfa, Park Gahee, and Brian Kuan Wood. The main venue is the purpose-built Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall; satellite exhibitions spread into the city's galleries and cultural spaces.
Getting there
Take the KTX from Seoul to Gwangju Songjeong Station (about 1 hour 45 minutes). The Gwangju Biennale Hall is in Buk-gu, about 20 minutes by taxi from Gwangju Station. Gwangju Metro Line 1 connects the city's main stations and cultural venues.
Tips
The Biennale publishes a full English catalogue and all major wall texts are in English and Korean. Admission is around 20,000 won for the full Biennale pass. Plan at least three to four hours for the main hall; satellite shows can fill another day. Gwangju's May 18th Democratic Uprising Memorial and the Asia Culture Center are also worth visiting on the same trip.
Dates by year
- tentative
2026
September 5 – November 15, 2026
Source: Manual editorial. Last verified 2026-05-09.