The article discusses the decentralization of art and culture in South Korea, highlighting the recent opening of the Korean branch of the Centre Pompidou and the expansion of major exhibitions beyond Seoul into regional areas. It cites examples such as Museum SAN in Wonju, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Cheongju, the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, and the upcoming 16th Gwangju Biennale in 2026. The author also draws on international cases like the Louvre-Lens in France and the Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art in Japan, which features works by Marc Chagall and Yoshitomo Nara, to illustrate how regional museums can become cultural hubs.
This shift matters because it challenges the long-standing concentration of art in capital cities, making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to broader populations. The article argues that the number of art museums in Korea has doubled to 290 in 2025, but the focus should now be on how each museum builds a unique city identity rather than simply increasing quantity. By bringing art closer to daily life, regional museums can foster a creative cultural economy and enhance urban competitiveness, transforming art from an exclusive privilege into a foundation for community growth.