Latest Events in Seoul(August Updated)

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is South Korea's most iconic festival. Since 2000, Hanwha Group has treated it as a social welfare project, aiming to bring joy and inspiration to busy urban dwellers. Every year, world-class fireworks production teams participate, presenting a spectacular fireworks display in the night sky above Yeouido, with various supporting events held during the day. The multimedia fireworks show presented by Hanwha Group perfectly blends fireworks, music, and laser effects, and is hailed as a world-class audio-visual feast. This year's fireworks festival is scheduled for September 5, 2026 (Saturday) in the area surrounding Yeouido Hangang Park and Ichon Hangang Park. As a landmark festival of Seoul, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival attracts countless citizens and tourists every year.

BANKSY Special Exhibition BANKSY STILL HERE 2026.7.22 ~ 11.03 THE HYUNDAI SEOUL ALT.1 The veil has been lifted. A symbol stronger than identity, Banksy’s ongoing message! Whether it’s his true face or whatever lies beneath, what we truly need to confront is the ‘true value’ hidden behind the mask. Beyond a simple mystery— the definitive exhibition to truly understand the essence of Banksy! "Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." BANKSY A street artist and activist from Bristol, UK, a self-proclaimed ‘art terrorist,’ and one of the most influential and mysterious artists of our time. Using the rough ‘walls’ of cities around the world as his canvas, He captures the contradictions of war and discrimination, becoming an irreplaceable ‘icon’ of pop culture through his signature black humor and ingenious performances. This exhibition follows the profound world of Banksy, hidden behind the veil, and traces his ongoing legacy. Q&A Q. Is this an officially authorized Banksy exhibition? A. Banksy is an anonymous artist who operates in secrecy and is known not to officially authenticate or endorse any commercial exhibitions worldwide, with the exception of a select few free guerrilla projects he directly organized (such as Cut & Run and Crude Oils Exhibition). Therefore, the credibility of a Banksy exhibition lies not in the authorization of the exhibition itself, but in whether the artworks on display hold official authentication from Pest Control, the authentication body established by Banksy. This exhibition is an independent showcase curated based on verified original collections. Q. Are the artworks in the exhibition authentic? A. This exhibition includes artworks with official certificates issued by Pest Control. In addition, it features official photographs vividly documenting Banksy’s on-site guerrilla activities, as well as original objects released at Banksy's official projects—such as Dismaland—which are currently traded at high values in the global auction market. Furthermore, by featuring a street reproduction section and a print archive that meticulously researches and reproduces Banksy's early silkscreen production processes and imagery lineage—which are typically hard for the general public to access—this exhibition is designed to allow visitors to compare and appreciate the aesthetics of original and reproduction, a key topic in contemporary art, from multiple perspectives. Q. What makes this exhibition special? A. This exhibition goes beyond simply displaying artworks; it illuminates Banksy both as a street artist and as a sharp social critic. Through a wide range of archival materials—including Pest Control-authenticated works—visitors can experience Banksy's creative methodology and message in a three-dimensional depth. We invite you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Banksy, the most compelling icon in contemporary art, through an exhibition that offers artistic value and depth distinct from previous shows. VIEW POINT 1. Banksy's Masterpieces in One Place From Girl with Balloon, which shook the Sotheby’s auction house, to Flower Thrower, a symbol of peace—an opportunity to come face-to-face with the world-renowned masterpieces that captivated the globe. Discover Banksy's ongoing, ever-relevant message. 2. A Real Message Beyond the Mystery Beyond the endless speculation and noise, stand face-to-face with Banksy's sharp perspective hidden behind the mask. It is time to encounter his authentic and evolving worldview, previously overshadowed by his face and name. 3. Stepping into Banksy's Streets Recreating the rough ‘walls’ of cities around the world. An immersive exhibition space where you can experience the raw and overwhelming presence unique to street art. EXHIBITION GUIDE Intro: Mask A Symbol Stronger Than Identity An anonymous artist from Bristol, UK—a street artist, activist, film director, and self-proclaimed 'art terrorist'! Although Banksy's true identity remains shrouded in mystery, the images and messages he leaves behind have already become a powerful symbol. Wall The Wall Is a Formidable Weapon To Banksy, a wall is both his most formidable weapon and his primary canvas. From the back alleys of the UK to conflict zones in Palestine and Ukraine, walls go beyond mere physical structures—they are devices that most directly reveal power, control, discrimination, and boundaries. Laugh Now Humor as a Way to Endure the Era Addressing the absurdities of our era, Banksy's works are always infused with humor. By following the cynicism and satire hidden behind laughter, visitors encounter works that confront the contradictions and uncomfortable truths of contemporary society. Icon How Resistance Became a Famous Brand From the shredding performance of Girl with Balloon at Sotheby’s auction, to illicit museum interventions, and the Dismaland project—Banksy criticizes capitalism and the art market while cleverly leveraging the system better than anyone else. This section introduces works that have become iconic within pop culture. Peace Ultimately, for a Better World At its core, Banksy's work speaks of peace and the possibility of a better world. While art may not transform the world in an instant, it can serve as a small catalyst to move people's hearts. Outro: After the Mask The Message Remains Unceasing attempts have been made to uncover Banksy's identity, yet he remains at his most powerful symbolic presence when he stays anonymous. Notice Children and infants must be accompanied by a guardian. For safety reasons, please hold your child's hand at all times during the exhibition.Private or unauthorized group tour commentary inside the exhibition hall is strictly prohibited, except for official docent programs.Photography with flash, tripods, or selfie sticks, as well as any filming for commercial purposes, is strictly prohibited.Outside food and beverages, including water, are strictly prohibited inside the exhibition hall.Re-entry is not permitted once you exit the exhibition hall.Pets are not allowed inside the exhibition hall.Please maintain quietness so as not to disturb other visitors.Please do not touch any artwork on display; enjoy the exhibition with your eyes and ears only. Directions THE HYUNDAI SEOUL ALT.1 (6th Floor), 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Subway Yeouinaru Station (Line 5): Exit 1 (approx. 450m, 8-minute walk)Yeouido Station (Line 5 & Line 9): Exit 3 (approx. 500m, 10-minute walk)Parking Information2 hours free of charge upon parking registration after viewing the exhibition (KRW 2,000 per additional 10 minutes thereafter).Please present your exhibition ticket at the ticket booth for parking registration.

This exhibition breaks down the rigid framework of daily life, transforming familiar landscapes into absurd, humorous, and unexpected scenes. Visitors will enjoy sculptures, installations, photographs, videos, and even commercial projects—a comprehensive glimpse into Max Siddentop's playful creativity. Highlights include "possibly the world's largest jigsaw puzzle" and a three-meter-tall statue of the artist himself, promising a delightful surreal experience.

The story begins with Young-joo opening a small bookstore in Hunandong. What started as a quiet shop gradually became lively as she began hosting "Author Hyun Seong-woo's Writing Workshops" for customers. Participants shared their worries and pains through writing, listened to each other's stories, and gained fresh perspectives on life. With moving lyrics and catchy melodies, the work delicately portrays the characters' emotions, offering warm comfort to audiences.