Here’s another exhibition to whack in the diary for Londoners seeking a dose of culture in the capital. And it’s one that’s sure to appeal to almost everyone in the family or friendship group. Later this year, an impressive new exhibition will open at the British Museum, inviting visitors to “discover the story of Korea’s distinctive and vibrant arts”.
The Korea exhibition will open on October 1, and will feature “outstanding examples of sculpture, painting and decorative arts over two millennia – up to the present day”. The items have largely come from the National Museum of Korea (NMK) and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), and range across more than 2,000 years of creativity.
Korea’s impact on London is undeniable. From K-BBQ restaurants to Korean music, stores selling Korean groceries, and more, there’s a huge appetite for Korean culture in the city. In fact, you’ll even find a Korean answer to Chinatown less than half an hour from the city centre.
And with the Korea exhibition, the British Museum allows Londoners to dive even deeper into their appreciation of the country. Whether you’re after an insight into the art, a glimpse of history, or you’ve had your interest piqued by KPop Demon Hunters, Korea at the British Museum is sure to fascinate.
What to see at the Korea exhibition
The British Museum is describing the new exhibition as “the most comprehensive chronological survey of Korean visual and material culture seen in Europe for over 40 years.”
Visitors can see everything from “ancient gold body ornaments and Buddhist icons to 12th- and 13th-century celadon-glazed stoneware, evocative ink landscapes and contemporary works responding to the turbulence of the 20th century”.
Some of the pieces boast a fascinating backstory and history. Many of them were originally created for special settings and occasions, such as royal tombs and palaces, Buddhist temples, and more. And most of the objects in the exhibition have never been seen before in the UK!
Sang-ah Kim, Curator of Korean collections, said:
“By diving deep into the circumstances under which objects were made, this exhibition offers insight into makers and patrons across the centuries. A sutra inscribed by a deposed queen, an ink landscape of a mountain in Seoul, a painting of quasi-nude figures ambling through an imagined paradise, and sketches inscribed on cigarette foil: these images not only illuminate Korea’s history but also carry personal messages that resonate across time and cultures.”
🎟️ Find out more and book your tickets here.
🕰️ The Korea exhibition will run from October 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027.
📍 The Joseph Hotung Great Court Gallery at The British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG.
🚇 The nearest stations are Tottenham Court Road and Holborn.
