SOUTH KOREA: Seoul - Yeolrin Songhyeon Square - Sculpture Park Exhibition - SCULPTURE CITY SEOUL

SCULPTURE CITY SEOUL is a project being promoted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government since 2024 to change the entire city of Seoul into a world-class sculpture city by transforming the open spaces into a roofless art museum. It aims to enable citizens to enjoy high-quality sculpture in their daily lives, and artists to present experimental exhibitions in various spaces beyond the boundaries of museums. The plan is to create sculpture art landmarks in major parks in Seoul like the Uijeongbuji Historic Square, the North Seoul Dream Forest, the Boramae Park or the World Cup Peace Park. On this page are the great sculpture works on display at Yeolrin Songhyeon Square in the Jongno District.

„Resilience – Harmony“ – KWON CHI GYU – 2024

KWON CHI GYU, born in 1966, graduated from Hongik University with a BFA in Sculpture and Sungshin Women’s University with an MFA, and received a PhD from Hongik University. He has held solo exhibitions at Fosco Museum of Art (2023), Bon Gallery (2020), Art Space H (2014), and Della Page Gallery (2013), and has held numerous group exhibitions at Hedwiga Gallery, Seoul Museum of Art, and Jang Design Art. He was awarded the Special Artist Award by the Art Critics Association of Korea.

The artwork “Resilience-Harmony” is a visual representation of the infinite resilience of nature, based on the motif of “resilience,” which is the ability of matter to return to its original form when it is affected by external influences. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: KWON CHI GYU

Website: https://kwonchigyu.com

„Coexistence“ – HUR TAE JIN – 2025

HUR TAE JIN, born in 1989, is currently a PhD candidate in Fine Arts at Hannam University after completing his MFA at Chungnam National University and Seoul National University’s Department of Environmental Sculpture. He has participated in numerous group exhibitions at Space Fifty Five (2024), Yeonmisan Natural Art Park (2024), and Red Brick Gallery (2015).

The creation „Coexistence“ is an artwork that expresses the coexistence of nature and humans, and the blue background contains images reminiscent of constellations, arousing curiosity. The artwork can also be appreciated at night thanks to its internal lighting. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: HUR TAE JIN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taejin.heo.73

„Sound of Nature – Song of Light“ – LEE SUNG OK – 2024

LEE SUNG OK, born in 1960, graduated from Sungshin Women’s University, Department of Sculpture and Dong Graduate School. She has participated in solo exhibitions at Insa Art Center (2021), Bonhwa Gallery (2018), and Gallery Hwain (2011), and has participated in numerous group exhibitions at Gangdong-gu Office, Ttukseomhan River Park, Geumboseong Art Center, and Gallery Kosa. She was awarded the Grand Prize at the 22nd National Muroeung Art Exhibition.

The artwork „Sound of Nature – Song of Light“ emphasizes the dynamism and beauty of nature through the beautiful form of butterflies, reminding viewers of the importance of preserving nature. This way of expression conveys the message of harmonious coexistence with nature to modern people, reminding us that nature is not just a background, but a companion that we should live with and take care of. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: LEE SUNG OK

„Infinity R180“ – LEE SONG JOON – 2025

LEE SONG JOON, born in 1982, graduated from Wonkwang University’s Department of Environmental Sculpture and Hongik University’s Department of Sculpture with an MFA and completed a PhD in Art Content at Chung-Ang University’s Department of Art. He has held solo exhibitions at 131 Gallery (2022), Sangsang Gallery (2022), Ulsan Buk-gu Cultural Arts Center (2019), and Mal Museum (2016), and participated in domestic and international group exhibitions at Plam Beach County Convention Center and K-Art.

LEE SONG JOON was awarded the Excellence Award (2024) at the National Young Artist Art Competition organized by the Hovan Cultural Foundation. His work „Infinity-R180“ visualizes the pixels that make up a photograph in a sculptural language. It is characterized by a collection of stainless steel mirror balls that form a single shape and create a brilliant image through the light emanating from the inside. It is a work that can be appreciated beautifully even at night. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: LEE SONG JOON

Website: https://www.leesongjoon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/songjoon.lee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/songjoon_lee

Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/artist/lee-song-joon

„Vision of Mind“ – LEE JONG SHEO – 2021

LEE JONG SHEO, born in 1980, graduated from the Department of Environmental Sculpture at Kyungpook National University and the Graduate School of Fine Arts. He has participated in solo exhibitions at Daejeon Artist’s House (2016), Gallery Exhibition (2012), and Gallery Ligaia (2006), and has participated in numerous art fairs at the Seoul Arts Center, Haeundae Centum Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Expo, and Shilla Hotel. He was awarded an honorable mention at the Crown Haetae Sculpture Competition (2008) and a special mention at the National University Art Exhibition (2000).

The creation „Vision of Mind“ is an artwork that simplifies animal figures and expresses them concisely with lines. The flowing curves provide visual comfort, and the inner white space invites the work to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. This allows the viewer to experience an organic appreciation of sculpture and space. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: LEE JONG SHEO

Website: https://leesheo.modoo.at

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leesheo

„Ascending through Time“ – CHOI SEUNG AE – 2025

CHOI SEUNG AE, born in 1962, received her BFA from Ewha Womans University and her MFA from Dongguk Graduate School. She has held solo exhibitions at Baugeum Sculpture Museum (2024), Gallery Studio Mill (2023), Geum Bosung Art Center (2022), and Hyehwa Art Center (2022), and participated in numerous group exhibitions and art fairs at Uijeongbu Arts Center, KIAF, Hwarang Art Festival, Hong Kong Affordable, International Sculpture Festival, and Sculpture Art Seoul.

The creation „Ascending through time“ is a work based on the motif of slowly passing time, and looks like a dewdrop hanging from a tree. The small yellow bird at the top of the work adds a friendly atmosphere, while the subtle gradation of purple color adds depth to the work. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: CHOI SEUNG AE

„Standard Animal Wolf“ – JANG SE IL – 2021

JANG SE IL, born in 1981, graduated from Suwon National University with a BFA in Sculpture and an MFA from the same graduate school. He has participated in solo exhibitions at Peyto Gallery (2024), Noblesse Selection (2018), National Assembly Building (2016), and Gallery Four Walls (2013), and has participated in numerous group exhibitions at Karas Gallery, The Gallery D, and Suwon City I-Park Museum of Art.

The sculpture „Standard Animal Wolf“ is a work made in the form of an animal by connecting the artist’s trademark polygonal faces. The rounded objects symbolize the adaptation of animals and ourselves to modern society. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: JANG SE IL

„The Eclipse“ – BAEK JINKI – 2025

Baek Jin Ki, born in 1983, graduated from the Sculpture Department of the National Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Italy and the Graduate School of Environmental Sculpture at Seoul National University. He has held solo exhibitions at Gal – Gallery Support (2019) and Kimi Art (2016), and participated in numerous art fairs and group exhibitions at Bexco, Arts Center, Hyatt Busan Hotel, and Ttukseom Hangang Park. He has been awarded the Chuncheon MBC Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition of the Year and the Seoul Art Association’s 10th Anniversary Seoul Modern Art Show Outstanding Artist Award.

„The Eclipse“ is an artwork that combines aluminum castings of abstract shapes on granite. The repeatedly indented shape of the top gives the impression of natural wear and tear over time, harmoniously blending into the outdoor space. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: BAEK JINKI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjk9456

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Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/artist/baek-jin-ki

„Conversation 201“ – PARK HEON YOUL – 2020

PARK HEON YOUL, born in 1955 graduated from Hongik University’s Department of Sculpture and the National Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Italy. He has held numerous solo exhibitions at Noam Gallery (2007), Seoul National University Gallery (2006), and Bologna, Italy, and has participated in numerous group exhibitions at home and abroad, including Perugia, Forte dei Marmi, Pletrasanta, and the Van Gogh Memorial Museum. He was awarded the Hakone Museum Prize at the 4th Rodin Grand Prize Competition (1992) and the Dong-A Art Prize at the Dong-A Art Festival (1982).

The artwork „Conversation 201“ is a sculpture that depicts the blooming of life and is made of granite on the lower part and stainless steel on the upper part. The vertical sculpture forms the image of a blooming flower and conveys the spirit of springtime. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: PARK HEON YOUL

„Community“ – LEE UNGBAI – 2022

LEE UNGBAI, born in 1961, graduated from Seoul National University, where he studied sculpture, and completed his master’s degree in plastic arts at Paris 1 University. He has held solo exhibitions at D’ArtPlant Yo Gallery (2021), Gyeonggi-do Museum of Art (2013), Gallery Samji (2006), and the Pantheon Sorbonne (2002), and participated in numerous group exhibitions at home and abroad, including Diak Square in Gangjeong, Taehwa River National Garden, Migratory Bird Park, Gyeonggi Creative Center, and Urumqi. He was awarded a prize at the Salon d’art contemporainde Montrouge in France.

The sculptural installation „Community“ is an artwork made of several metal pipes connected together. The form of the work is a metaphor for the organic relationship of a community, and the bright colors evoke the atmosphere of spring. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: LEE UNGBAI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bezalell

„Become One“ – HAN JIN SUB – 2022

HAN JIN SUB, born in 1956, graduated from Hongik University College of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture, and the National Academy of Fine Arts, Karara, with an MFA. He has held numerous solo exhibitions at Gana Art Center (2014), Daehwa Cathedral (2002), and Gana Art Center (2000), and participated in numerous group exhibitions at home and abroad, including Chongqing Sculpture Park, Kintex, and Kim Jong Young Museum.

The sculpture „Become One“ is a symbolic representation of two abstracted human figures coming together to become one. It conveys a positive meaning of harmonizing and uniting with each other to become one. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: HAN JIN SUB

„Love has left only longing“ – KIM SUNG BOK – 2024

KIM SUNG BOK, born in 1964, graduated from Hongik University with a BFA in Sculpture and an MFA from Dong Graduate School. He has held solo exhibitions at Changwon Masan Tattoo Museum (2024), Cheongjak Gallery (2022), Sabina Museum of Art (2018), and Sejong Center for the Arts (2002), and participated in numerous domestic and international group exhibitions at Shijiazhuang Museum of Art, KEPCO Art Center Gallery, Mosan Museum of Sculpture, and Seoul Museum of Art. He has been awarded the Excellence Award at the Manif International Art Fair (2004), the Art World Artist Award (2002), and the Gold Medal at the Hangaram Art Exhibition (1997).

The artwork „Love has left only longing“ shows a colorful visual effect with the reflection of the stainless steel surface. The two figures embracing each other create a warm and emotional atmosphere. – Sculpture City Seoul

Artist: KIM SUNG BOK

„Jitda Pavilion“ – Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism 2023

„Jitda“ means build in Korea, is a pavilion that acts as a spatial device which summons our senses and memories of houses before hanok or the original form of homes deeply engraved in our subconscious mind. The yard in the center serves as a peaceful space that attracts sunlight and wind while providing protection from the elements and the erratic external environment.

While the initial intention was to cover the roof with the ground to preserve the sense of the original form, the roof and the walls are covered with „sanja,“ which is not usually exposed in hanok architecture, in consideration of visitors‘ safety and structural management as well as the image of the space. By incorporating sanja, the pavilion becomes a space full of light and shadows that welcomes visitors to freely move around and contemplate. Old timber found at a sawmill was used for the construction of the pavilion and low mounds surrounding the pavilion were made with soil dug up from the site. The pillars were erected without a cornerstone after compacting the ground.

Pillars, purlins and beams were placed on the pillars using a simple construction method and rafters were covered on the roof and exterior walls. After the sanja was constructed on the rafters, vines such as luffa, gourds, cucumbers, kidney beans, and morning glory were grown to cover the outer walls. Passing through the bamboo grove at the entrance, visitors to the Jitda Pavilion will see a round yard with gudeul, old floor heating stone, laid out under an open sky in a quiet space like a forest. During the day, shadows from the round roof moves like a sundial, and at night, the moon rises in the round sky as the pavilion lights up the dark like a lotus lantern.