Art Basel is one of the world’s largest contemporary art fairs. Amid hundreds of galleries and thousands of artworks, it is easy to rush from one booth to the next. During this year’s edition, Friends of Korea chose to slow down and spend time with three galleries presenting Korean contemporary art.

Gallery Hyundai, South Korea’s oldest modern art gallery, presented pioneers of modern Korean art whose work explores texture, movement and materiality. Kun-Yong’s Bodyscape paintings are created through the movement of his own body, while Shin Sung Hy transforms the canvas itself, tying knots into the fabric. Every piece invited us to think not only about the finished artwork, but also about the creative process behind it.

Kukje Gallery introduced us to the quiet beauty of Dansaekhwa, the Korean monochrome movement that emerged after the Korean War. With restrained colours and repeated forms, these works offer a gentle contrast to the chaos of post-war Korea. Learning this historical context from the gallery team made the artworks even more meaningful, showing how art can express resilience as much as beauty.

Our visit concluded at Tina Kim Gallery, a gallery in New York dedicated to East Asian, artists on the international stage. It was inspiring to see Korean artists presented alongside globally celebrated names and to hear how many are now exhibiting in major cultural centres, including Paris. Their growing international presence reflects the increasing appreciation of Korean art and culture around the world.

A heartfelt thank you to the gallery staff, who generously shared the stories behind the artists and their work. These conversations reminded us that art is much more than something to admire: it is a way to share history, ideas, and lived experiences across cultures.

For Friends of Korea, visiting Art Basel was more than an opportunity to see exceptional contemporary art. It was a chance to deepen our understanding of Korea’s artistic heritage and to witness how art truly is a universal experience that transcends language and culture. We believe meaningful cultural exchange begins with understanding. Through events, conversations and shared experiences, we aim to build lasting bridges between Korea and Switzerland.