Six global artists are exhibiting their work in a group show titled 'Onggi Jonggi' at TOPOHAUS Gallery in Seoul's Insa-dong neighborhood during Insa Art Week. Co-curated by Ella Kaill, founder of Half Local magazine, and Trix Willems, the exhibition features photography, paintings, sketches, textile work, and pixel art that offer unconventional perspectives on Seoul, deliberately stepping outside the frame of social media algorithms. The show is the second event organized under Half Local, an independent media platform that documents lesser-known spots in the city.
The exhibition matters because it challenges the narrow, algorithm-driven portrayal of Korea on social media—dominated by trendy neighborhoods like Seongsu, pop-up stores, and beauty brands—by presenting a more nuanced, personal view of Korean culture through the eyes of international residents. It highlights how foreign artists and curators are actively interpreting and participating in Korean culture rather than merely observing it. The show also underscores the growing role of independent platforms like Half Local in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and offering alternative narratives about contemporary Seoul.