A List of North Korean Art Galleries
A deep-dive into all the current art galleries in North Korea. How many art galleries are there in North Korea, which one is the best art gallery, and how can you visit them?
For the Korean art lover. And lover of the more unusual art!
North Korean Art & North Korean Art Galleries (Intro)
In the heart of a nation veiled in mystery lies a treasure trove of artistic expression/state propaganda?
Welcome to the North Korean Art Gallery…
North Korean art follows the genre of socialist realism, and there is almost no art without political content. Art comes in various shapes and sizes. Inkworks (chuchehua) are the most popular. There is also oil, linocuts, woodblocks, mosaics, and even jewel painting (coloured sands) and sculpture, pottery etc.
Whilst there is certainly inspiration from historical and cultural roots from the traditions of Korea the message remains firmly socialist in content. The art falls under state patronage. All artists are paid by the state and government-run studios. They are part of shaping the sociopolitical reality.
The individual artist is a worker artist who produces art to reflect the collective. There is no abstract art. This is deemed as bourgeoise. Rather, art has to be painted to be easily understood by the common people.
There is no room for ‘self’ the quality that makes a person distinct from all others, the core theme in modern and contemporary art.
North Korean Art Themes
Be wary of how you interpret what you are looking at. For example, landscapes and seascapes often reflect nationalism. The spirit of Korea as a strong and independent country. Further, images of tigers represent strong leadership.
There is some light relief in the form of traditional folk art and the occasional kitsch kittens playing with balls of string. However, in general, North Korean art is there to serve a purpose. To convey a political message and foster a sense of national pride.
There is no art for art’s sake.
Art is there to inspire the people. To reinforce the values of team spirit, hard work, and resilience. It also serves to remind them of history. Previous atrocities, for example, the Japanese occupation. As well as their perceived victory in the Korean War.
This underlines the importance of being a strong, independent country under the benevolence and guidance of their leaders.
Political Narratives in Art
Reflecting the nation’s political landscape, the North Korean Art Gallery is a canvas for the visual representation of Juche ideology. Art is a powerful tool for communicating political narratives and ideals within the confines of a unique political system. Propaganda art is not categorised as ‘fine art’ per se however, the artistic content used to enforce the political or social slogan is certainly judged.
Portraits of Leadership
A distinctive feature of art galleries in North Korea is the presence, or production, of portraits depicting political leaders, notably Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Portraits and indeed any likenesses of the images of the leader are taken on by one art studio in North Korea – the Mansudae Art Studio. (Note: this studio is currently under sanctions).
Let’s take a closer look at the North Korean art galleries and art studios- oh and we have included a few ‘non-art gallery’ spaces but we have included them to give you a greater understanding of the art the Korean people are exposed to…
1. Korean Art Gallery
Location Pyongyang
The Korean Art Gallery opened in 1948 and was renovated in 2010. If you’ve ever seen Kim Il Sung Square, you may have seen this building as it stands tall on the south side of the square. It’s 4 stories and has 22 rooms inside.
One section of the exhibition focuses on socialist realism from the 1950s to contemporary works and exhibitions.
A different section concentrates on traditional artworks from previous centuries.
Plenty of paintings of the leaders giving on-the-spot guidance amongst other works which are of national importance.
There is not much to buy but there are various art books to take home to show the neighbours at a later date. There is a collection of celadon and other ceramics and the odd sculpture dotted around.
Well worth a visit it provides insights into the broader context of art in North Korea. Just make a note that some of the artworks are copies (very good copies) as the originals are stored elsewhere due to climate/light sensitivity.
2. Wonsan Art Gallery in North Korea
Location: Wonsan
The art gallery in Wonsan offers a diverse collection of North Korean art, ranging from whimsical pieces aimed at tourists to striking works of socialist realism.
Tourism it seems also allows the artists to experiment a little and many of the works have a touch of an impressionistic feeling or subject matter that might appeal to a foreigner. Just be wary that you should be buying art for its aesthetic and not as a great investment…
It is not unusual for a popular artwork to be copied.
Notably absent are propaganda posters, considered political rather than fine art.
Located conveniently near major hotels and the city centre, the gallery prohibits photography inside.
Artworks are predominantly for sale at prices generally lower than those in Pyongyang. Visitors should be encouraged to inquire about pieces by local Wonsan and Kangwon Province artists and local subject matter.
3. White Tiger (Paekho) Art Gallery
Location: East Pyongyang
The White Tiger (Paekho) Art Studio, located in Pyongyang, holds significance as the second most important art studio in North Korea.
Operating as a cooperative of over 250 individuals, including painters, sculptors, and graphic artists, it produces art and sculpture for the state.
Initially managed by the military*, the studio has evolved to focus on creating panoramas and dioramas, its distinctive signature art.
Some artists have worked abroad in countries like Egypt, Iraq, and Syria, contributing to monumental projects. While tourists can explore the gallery on the ground floor, visits to the artists’ facilities are not permitted.
*It is uncertain if it is still present or if the risk of sanctions means the connection is blurred.
4. Sinuiju Art Gallery
Location: Sinuiju
The Sinuiju Art Gallery, situated in Sinuiju on the North Korea-China border in the country’s northwest, offers a compelling destination for art enthusiasts.
Conveniently located in the city centre, it’s easily accessible and attracts visitors interested in diverse art forms.
Compared to purchasing art in Pyongyang, buying from this gallery can be significantly more economical, with prices potentially up to 50% lower. The gallery boasts a wide selection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, embroideries, prints, posters, and even offers portrait services.
Sure, it may not be among the best-curated galleries in the country, but the quality of the art remains consistent with what’s found in Pyongyang. This. makes it a worthwhile stop for art lovers exploring Sinuiju.
5. National Art Studio (Mansudae Art Studio)
Location: Pyongyang
Mansudae is under international sanctions and therefore you are not allowed to visit and should not visit no matter what your Korean hosts say.
Mansudae Art Studio remains the most prominent art studio in North Korea. For any North Korean artist, if you have made it to Mansudae you have made it to the top.
After this you just need to work hard for many years… become a Merited then a People’s artist, win a Kim Il Sung prize and sit back on your accolades. The Studio houses a collective of artists who work on a variety of projects, including paintings, sculptures, and murals.
It is a massive Art Studio complex complete with a football pitch and its own museum.
Previously, tourists could visit here, take a look around artists’ studios as well as purchase artwork.
Note: this studio is currently under international sanctions so do abide by these rules!
6. Pyongyang Grand Theatre
Location: Pyongyang
The Pyongyang Grand Theatre is a venue for cultural performances, including ballet, opera, and other artistic productions.
While not a gallery, it provides a space for the public to experience various forms of performing arts.
There is also the lesser-known Hamhung Grand Theater.
7. International Friendship Exhibition
Location: Mt. Myohyang
Although again not an art gallery in the traditional sense, the International Friendship Exhibition houses an extensive collection of gifts received by North Korean leaders from foreign dignitaries.
This collection may include artistic items, reflecting international perceptions of North Korean culture.
8. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Location: Pyongyang
Originally the mausoleum for Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, and later for Kim Jong Il, this monumental structure contains exhibits displaying gifts and tributes to the leaders.
This is not an ‘art gallery’ but rather one of the most sacred places in North Korea. It should not be visited lightly (there are many restrictions whilst visiting).
However, there are several gifts from foreign delegations here. This includes artworks and artefacts from the leaders’ travels that you and North Korean locals will be seeing for the first time. Some are pretty impressive.
