2026 Edition: Latest Art Guide to Seoul, South Korea (3) Hongik University, Hapjeong, and Mapo — Introducing Notable Art Spaces Including CR Collective
The third installment of the 2026 Seoul art guide introduces notable art spaces in the Hongik University, Hapjeong, and Mapo area, including CR Collective.Summary
The third installment of a four-part series by Yuki Konno, a critic active between Japan and South Korea, highlights must-see museums and galleries in Seoul for 2026. This edition focuses on the area around Hongik University, Hapjeong, and Mapo stations. Once known for independent art spaces like OZONE, LOOP, Hapjeong District, and Taste House, the area still hosts long-running venues such as OUTHOUSE and Post Territory Ujeongguk. The article features CR Collective, located about a 15-minute walk from Hongik University Station via the Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeontral Park). Operated since 2016 by the Ilsium Foundation (established 2007), CR Collective presents solo and group exhibitions by young to mid-career Korean artists. In 2026, it will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a year-end group show by three artists. The space also emphasizes archiving, compiling annual exhibition records into a book, hoping these books serve as "seeds" for both the art space and artists' growth. Each venue listing includes links to official websites and Padograph, a portal run by the author for Japan-Korea exhibition and event information.
(Source：Tokyo Art Beat)