From Nam June Paik to Hirst... Seoul Art Market Heats Up for April Auction Season
by Kim Heeyun
Published 21 Apr.2026 09:40(KST)
Major Auctions by Seoul Auction and K-Auction Over Two Days
Over 240 Lots with an Estimated Value of 20 Billion Won
The Seoul art market has entered a period of heightened activity as the April auction season gets underway. Seoul Auction and K-Auction are each hosting major auctions just one day apart, showcasing a wide array of works by prominent domestic and international artists. Combined, the two houses are presenting over 240 lots, with the total estimated value reaching approximately 20 billion won, drawing significant attention from the market.
K-Auction will hold its April auction on April 29 at its headquarters in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The sale will feature a total of 101 works, with an estimated total value of around 10.4 billion won. This auction is notable for its broad spectrum, ranging from overseas blue-chip artists to Korean modern and contemporary art, as well as traditional Korean art. In particular, numerous works by global artists such as Damien Hirst and Ed Ruscha are included, expected to garner interest from international collectors.
The headline lot, Damien Hirst's "Resurgam," is a large circular canvas over two meters in diameter adorned with butterflies, and is offered with an estimate of 700 million to 1.3 billion won. In addition, three more works by Hirst, including "Budget/Luxury" and "Psalm 115: Non Nobis, Domine," are included, providing collectors with a wider range of choices. Ed Ruscha's 1987 piece "Spasm," rarely seen in Korea, carries a high estimate of 900 million to 2 billion won.
Korean contemporary art is also strongly represented. Yoo Youngkuk’s 1960s painting "Work" and Nam June Paik’s drawing set "Untitled" are each being offered, with starting bids of 500 million won and 400 million won, respectively. Kim Yoonshin’s "Hapihapil Buni Bunil" is positioned at a more accessible price point, aiming to attract new collectors. Works by leading Dansaekhwa artists Yoon Hyunggeun, Park Seobo, Chung Sanghwa, and Ha Chonghyun are also featured, targeting a stable collector base.
The traditional art section is also noteworthy, with highlights including Jeong Seon’s "Landscape with Figures," Sim Sa-jeong’s "Landscape of Clouds and Forests," and Chusa Kim Jeonghui’s "Cheonsangokdang Samboseo," all exemplifying the essence of Korean traditional art and adding gravitas to the auction.
On the previous day, April 28, Seoul Auction will hold its "191st Art Auction" at its Gangnam Center. The event will feature 141 lots, with a total low estimate of about 8.8 billion won. Covering both modern/contemporary and traditional art, the auction stands out for both the number and variety of works on offer.
The highlight of Seoul Auction is Nam June Paik’s video installation "Dr. Kim Hwallan." Inspired by Korea’s first female Ph.D., the work incorporates radios and televisions, deconstructing the traditional notion of portraiture and showcasing the expansiveness of media art. Given that a drawing by the same artist is also featured at K-Auction, Nam June Paik’s works have emerged as a focal point of this auction season.
Lee Bae’s "Issu du Feu (White Lines)" is another work worth noting. The piece creates a strong sense of tension by contrasting white lines drawn over the distinctive texture and emptiness created by charcoal. As a reinterpretation of Korean materials in a contemporary context, it is also expected to attract demand from international buyers.
The "Modern Perspectives" section will present works by artists from the 1950s to the 1980s, including Chang Ucchin, Yoo Youngkuk, and Park Go-seok. Aimed at tracing the trajectory of Korean art history, this section is designed to appeal to mid-level collectors. Lee Ufan’s "Correspondence" series and Olafur Eliasson’s "Square Sphere" are also included, expanding the scope to encompass contemporary art.
Art market insiders commented, "Recent auctions reflect a trend where both investment potential and artistic value are considered," adding, "Works by established and vetted artists continue to perform strongly, but interest in new artists and genres is also steadily growing."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.