South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced a monthlong celebration called "2026 Museum Week," running from late April to May 31, 2026, to coincide with International Museum Day on May 18. A total of 310 museums will participate under the theme "Museums uniting a divided world," with programs divided into three sections: Museum X Encounter (highlighting stories behind artifacts), Museum X Enjoy (special exhibitions and performances), and Museum X Stroll (expanding cultural access beyond Seoul). The event is hosted by the ministry and ICOM Korea, organized by the Korean Museum Association.
The initiative matters because it underscores the growing recognition of museums as vital spaces for social cohesion and inclusion in an increasingly fragmented society. By involving hundreds of institutions nationwide and offering diverse programs from lectures to hands-on activities, the event aims to broaden public engagement with culture and the arts, particularly outside the greater Seoul area, reinforcing the role of museums in everyday life.