The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Sept. 1 announced its hosting nationwide of the Korea Art Festival until Sept. 30. Shown is a promotional poster for the event. (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

By Charles Audouin

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Sept. 1 launched its hosting nationwide of the Korea Art Festival until Sept. 30.

The second edition of the annual event offers discounts on admission to art events and supporting exhibitions for promising domestic artists in collaboration with biennales and expos across the country.

Events early this month showcase promising talent to the world, with exhibitions for rising artists held along with provincial biennales in several regions. In Seoul, works by such artists can be seen at venues like the Hanok (traditional architecture) building Hwigyeomjae Hanok in Bukcheon Hanok Village, Art Sonje Center and Zaha Museum.

The "Art Tour" program has 14 travel courses jointly run by private organizations and cultural foundations in the provinces of Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do and Jeju Island. Participants can explore art museums and galleries on guided tours as well as nearby tourist spots.

Key international airports such as those in Incheon, Gimpo (Seoul) and Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, host the exhibition "Dive Into Korean Art: Seoul," which features diverse works by domestic artists in genres like media art and sculpture.

Major discounts are offered on tickets. Visitors can get up to 50% off admission to major events including KIAF (Korea International Art Fair) Seoul, Frieze Seoul, Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale and Cheongju Craft Biennale.

Those who purchase rail travel packages combining train tickets and admission to the Gwangju Design Biennale and the events in Cheongju and Jeonnam can get from 5%-40% off depending on time slot. Reservations can be made on the KoRail website (www.korail.com) and Korail Talk.

More information on the festival is on its official website (https://www.k-artfestival.com).

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young said, "The Korea Art Festival will go beyond a simple exhibition space to become a powerful starting point for Korean arts to breathe together with the people and communicate with the world."

caudouin@korea.kr