ArtTable Tours | South Korea
2026-10-10 00:00 - 2026-10-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | South Korea, Korea, Republic of
ArtTable’s tour to Seoul offers an extraordinary immersion into South Korea’s rich history, cutting-edge contemporary art, and unparalleled insider access. Travelers will explore the National Palace Museum to uncover the country’s royal heritage, experience the visionary exhibitions of the Gwangju Art Biennale, and wander the serene Huwon Secret Garden–one of Seoul’s most atmospheric historic sites.

Throughout the journey, participants will enjoy private collection visits and intimate artist studio conversations, offering rare access to the people shaping Korea’s vibrant cultural landscape. This is a unique opportunity to experience the country’s past and present through an exclusive ArtTable lens.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Ham Kyungah, ‘Needling Whisper, Needle Country/ SMS Series in Camouflage’, 2015 (detail)

Huwon Secret Garden

Our first day in Seoul is filled with discovery. We begin with the Huwon Secret Garden at the UNESCO listed Changdeokgung Palace, followed by a visit to the National Museum of Korea–one of Asia’s largest museums. The tour continues with celebrated embroidery artist Ham Kyungah, a stop at Arario Gallery, and dining experiences at two of Korea’s most acclaimed restaurants–The Green Table and Crystal Jade.

The following days highlight Korea’s world-class institutions and thriving art scenes. Travelers will enjoy special access to the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, and Leeum Museum of Art. We will also meet respected Korean artists in their studios, including sculptor Yee Sookyung and fashion designer Kim Young-Jin.

Marguerite Humeau, ‘*Stir’, Gwangju Biennale 2024

Korea Furniture Museum

On day five, we take a high-speed train to Gwangju — known as the “City of Light” for its dynamic cultural life. Here we visit the Gwangju Biennale, Asia’s oldest contemporary art biennale. The 2026 edition, led by artistic director Ho Tzu Nyen, is titled “You Must Change Your Life” and explores art’s transformative power and its capacity to inspire profound change.

Day six brings us back to Seoul for the remainder of our stay. Our final days include visits to the Korea Furniture Museum, Pildong Ceramic Studio, and the LG Art Centre Seoul. As with all ArtTable tours, this experience includes access to private collections and exceptional dining throughout.

Explore the full itinerary here!

Registration Details:

ArtTable Member Registration: $825

Non-member Registration: $1,225

Registration fees are donations to the ArtTable Tours program and are nonrefundable. Once registered, you will be connected with ArtsAbroad for tour payments.

Tour Pricing (Paid directly to ArtsAbroad after registering with ArtTable):

Single Occupancy: $9,030

Double Occupancy: $8,080

Included in Tour Cost:

6 nights at the 5-star Lotte Hotel in Seoul (Deluxe Rooms)

2 nights at the 4-star Holiday Inn in Gwangju (Superior Rooms)

Daily breakfast

Meals as noted in the itinerary

All visits, entry fees, and private arrangements

Transportation by deluxe motor coach

Services of an ArtsAbroad tour director

Expert Guides and Curators

Gratuities for restaurants, guides, porters, and drivers

Not Included:

International flights

Travel insurance

Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)

Independent meals

Registration closes on February 11, 2026.

ArtsAbroad

The ArtTable tour to South Korea will be managed by ArtsAbroad, a specialist travel company with extensive experience in the visual and performing arts sectors. Founded by Julia Boadle, ArtsAbroad collaborates closely with museums, galleries, foundations, and performing arts institutions to arrange carefully tailored cultural travel programs for high-level patrons and donors.
