Boryeong Islands to Become Art Destinations... "Island Biennale" to Open in 2027

Accelerating Preparations for the First International Event in 2027
Wonsando and Godaedo to Transform into Global Art Islands

The islands of Boryeong in South Chungcheong Province are set to transform into a global stage for contemporary art.

With 500 days remaining until the opening, the "Island Biennale" has revamped its organizational structure, finalized its basic exhibition plan, and begun full-scale preparations.

According to the Island Biennale Organizing Committee on November 19, the inaugural Biennale will be held from April 3 to May 30, 2027, for two months, spanning Wonsando and Godaedo.

Furthermore, the event will expand to three islands in 2029 and four islands in 2031. By 2033, it aims to become a large-scale international event held across all five islands: Wonsando, Godaedo, Sapsido, Jangodo, and Hyojado.

To this end, the committee recently appointed Song Sangho, Professor Emeritus at Kyung Hee University, as the civilian chairperson; Kim Sungyeon, former Executive Director of the Busan Biennale, as Artistic Director; and Ko Hyoyeol, former Secretary General of the Provincial Council, as Secretary General.

In addition, the committee has set the exhibition direction to expand the islands' ecology, geography, space, and culture into contemporary art.

About 70 artists from 24 countries will participate. Sculptures, installations, and media art works that reflect the islands' ecological and regional characteristics, as well as the unique qualities of each space, will be exhibited throughout Wonsando and Godaedo, showcasing the "Art Island" where nature and art coexist.

The "Island Culture and Arts Platform," which will serve as the Biennale's main exhibition venue, will be established on Wonsando with an investment of 30 billion won. Built on a 9,886-square-meter site with a total floor area of 3,989 square meters, it will open in time for the 2027 Biennale and serve as a core infrastructure to exhibit major works by leading artists from Korea and abroad.

Along the coastal road surrounding the exhibition hall, outdoor sculptures and installations will be displayed, creating an "open-air museum" to be enjoyed under natural light.

Vacant houses, warehouses, and cafes in Seonchon Port and Jeomchon Village on Wonsando will be transformed into site-specific exhibition spaces. On Godaedo, sculptures and installations will be arranged around the harbor and coastal roads, turning the entire island into a vast art space.

In addition, a variety of programs will be offered during the Biennale, including sound and performance art, international seminars, and artist talks.

Experiential tourism content, such as art tours and art camping, will also be introduced, with the aim of developing the islands of Boryeong into "exhibition spaces where visitors stay."

Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, stated, "In the first edition in 2027, we will implement 20 to 30 percent of the overall plan and nurture the event into a sustainable, world-class art festival."

Kim Dongil, Mayor of Boryeong, pledged, "With each Biennale, we will install new global artworks and transform the islands into art destinations visited by people from around the world," promising to boost marine tourism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.