Mokpo, Jindo, and Haenam to Host 83 Artists from 20 Countries
Biennale Runs Until October 31, Starting with Grand Opening Ceremony
A Rich Program Blending Traditional and Contemporary Arts, Including Korean Classical Music
The opening ceremony of the "2025 Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale" was held on the afternoon of the 29th at the Mokpo Culture and Arts Center, where Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok greeted participating artists. Provided by Jeonnam Province
The 2025 Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale, the first of its kind in Korea and the only event in the world dedicated to the theme of ink wash painting, kicked off its grand opening on the 29th with a ceremony at the Mokpo Culture and Arts Center. This year marks the fourth edition of the biennale.
More than 1,000 people attended the opening ceremony, including Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok, Jeonnam Provincial Council Chairman Kim Taegyun, diplomatic delegations from 13 countries in Korea, actress and ambassador Kim Gyuri, participating artists from Korea and abroad, figures from the cultural and arts community, and Jeonnam residents, all celebrating the start of the festival.
The event began with a powerful video presentation highlighting the vision and theme of the biennale, followed by a dynamic stage featuring percussionist Sora Kim, traditional Jeongga vocals, a dance performance by Park Giryang, and a Gayageum vocal performance by Choi Yerim, winner of "Pungnyudaejang," creating a magnificent harmony of tradition and modernity.
The highlight performance featured La Poem and the dance team HolyBang, delivering a spectacular show that allowed the audience to experience the artistic richness of Jeonnam, the city of art, at its deepest.
Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "Ink wash painting will become a next-generation leader in K-Content," adding, "Mokpo, Jindo, and Haenam will be reborn as gallery cities filled with ink wash art."
General Director Yoon Jaegap emphasized, "Ink wash painting is a living language that goes beyond a legacy of the past and breathes with the contemporary era," and added, "This opening ceremony marks the starting point for Jeonnam to rise as the global capital of ink wash painting."
Celebrating its fourth edition this year, the Jeonnam International Sumukh Biennale is themed "Neighbors of Civilization" and will run from August 30 to October 31 across Mokpo, Jindo, and Haenam. The event will feature a grand exhibition of ink wash art with the participation of 83 artists and teams from 20 countries and regions.
Major exhibitions will be held at the Culture and Arts Center, Indoor Gymnasium, Namdo Traditional Art Museum, Sojeon Art Museum, Ttangkkeut Pilgrimage Literature Museum, and Gosan Yun Seondo Museum, as well as six other venues. A variety of hands-on, academic, and collaborative programs will also be offered.
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