South Korea’s Only Ceramic Arts Festival: ‘2026 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale’ Opens

Gyeonggi-do and the Korea Ceramic Foundation announced the launch of the 2026 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale (GCB), the only international biennale in the country dedicated to ceramic arts. Running for 45 days from September 18 to November 1, the event takes place across various locations in Gyeonggi-do, including Icheon, Gwangju, and Yeoju, under the theme 'Earth Makes.'

Opening Ceremony and Event Overview

Gyeonggi-do and the Korea Ceramic Foundation held the opening ceremony for the 2026 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale on September 17 at 7 p.m. at the outdoor plaza of the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum in Icheon. Now in its 13th edition, the biennale is the only international art event in South Korea dedicated to the field of ceramics. Since its debut in 2001, it has contributed to the development of Korean ceramic culture, discovered emerging artists, and led global trends in ceramic art.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 1,000 guests, including Gyeonggi-do Governor Choo Mi-ae, local and international artists, the Chairman of the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Council, members of the National Assembly, the Mayor of Icheon, representatives from related organizations, and local residents. The event slogan, ‘The Pulse of the Earth, Bringing the Time of Clay to Bloom Today,’ encapsulates the vitality of the land, the process of transforming clay into ceramics, and the stories of those who carry this work into art. The ceremony featured a performance by singer Ali, followed by a procession of about 100 participating artists and students from the Korea Ceramic Arts High School.

Exploring the theme ‘Earth Makes’

The biennale explores how clay, a fundamental material, is elevated into art through the theme ‘Earth Makes.’ Visitors can explore various exhibitions, including themed displays, international competitions, special exhibitions, and collection showcases. Notably, the international competition received 1,505 entries from 1,097 artists across 73 countries, underscoring the biennale’s global stature. Academic events such as international ceramic symposiums and workshops, along with educational programs like the ‘Children’s Biennale,’ are also scheduled to provide deeper insights into ceramic arts.

Visitor Information and Key Locations

The 2026 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale is hosted at the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum in Icheon (Gyeonggi-do Icheon-si 263 Gyeongchung-daero 2697beon-gil), the Gwangju Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum (Gyeonggi-do Gwangju-si 727 Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup), and the Yeoju Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum of Living Arts (Gyeonggi-do 7 Silleuksa-gil, Yeoju-si). These venues are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the event, with final admission at 5 p.m.

Visitors can easily access these venues by using the Gyeonggang Line subway, stopping at Icheon Station, Gonjiam Station, and Yeoju Station. Free admission is available for preschool children (6 and under), seniors aged 65 and over, national veterans, basic livelihood security recipients, active-duty soldiers, people with disabilities (including one companion), Korea Ceramic Foundation-registered artists, ICOM members, and Culture Pass holders.

Extended Experiences: ‘The Visiting Biennale’

Beyond the main exhibition sites, the Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale features the ‘Visiting Biennale’ program, which partners with local festivals throughout Gyeonggi-do to offer broader access to ceramic and craft culture. This initiative aims to ensure that more residents and visitors can experience ceramic art in their own neighborhoods.