If you are looking for a must-visit Busan art gallery, Johyun Gallery Busan should definitely be at the top of your list.
About Johyun Gallery Busan
It is genuinely one of my absolute favorite spots in Busan—I’ve been visiting about once a month for years! It’s a place where not only the exhibited artworks but also the atmosphere and architectural space itself are breathtakingly beautiful.
Admission: Free (Open to all visitors)
Rich History: Originally opened in 1989 in Gwangalli as ‘Gallery World,’ it relocated and expanded to its current location on Dalmaji Hill in 2007.
Top-tier Contemporary Art: As one of Busan’s premier commercial galleries, it holds significant influence within both the domestic and international contemporary art scenes.
Global Presence: The gallery regularly participates in world-class art fairs like Art Basel, playing a vital role in introducing Korean artists to the global stage.
🗺️ How to Visit Johyun Gallery Busan: Visitor Guide & Information
📍 快速信息
- 地址: Johyun Gallery Busan, 171 Dalmaji-gil 65beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
- 电话 +82 51-747-8853
- 小时 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday) / Closed on Mondays
- Admission: Free (Open to all visitors)
- 网站 johyungallery.com
- 地图 在谷歌地图上查看
Walking:
[ 🏖️ Haeundae Beach ]
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▼ (1.8 km / 25–30 min uphill)
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[ 🎨 Johyun Gallery Busan ]
🚌 By Bus
Take Village Bus Haeundae-gu 2 or 10 near Haeundae Beach/Station → Get off at Churi Literature Center or Dalmaji Catholic Church (15 mins) → Walk 2–3 mins.
🚕 By Taxi
Approx. 5 mins from Haeundae Beach (Basic fare). Highly recommended if you want to skip the uphill walk!
✨ Inside Johyun Gallery Busan: Space & Atmosphere
Have you ever heard of Dalmaji Hill? Busan doesn’t have many coastal hills, but this is by far the most famous one.
This gallery is located right near the center of the sweeping coastal hill on Dalmaji. While it may not be as massive as a national museum, it is actually quite spacious in person.
The building’s exterior features a rough, chiseled stone-like texture. At times, you can spot large exhibition posters displayed on this wall.
Since these photos were taken over multiple visits, you’ll notice subtle changes in both the exhibitions and the seasons throughout the post.

The 1st floor is a parking area, so the exhibition begins on the 2nd floor.
I highly recommend walking up the stairs, as the pathway leading up is genuinely beautiful.

There is a terrace-style glass door along with a sleek metallic door.

This area occasionally opens up depending on the season. When open, it creates a wonderfully airy, open-air atmosphere that seamlessly connects with nature.

Artist Kim Jong-hak, often celebrated as the “Painter of Seorak,” is renowned for his vibrant paintings of wildflowers with his distinct, unmistakable artistic style.

Artist Lee Bae, who is currently gaining immense global recognition, maintains a close relationship with Johyun Gallery, having held multiple solo exhibitions here showcasing his iconic ‘Brushstroke’ series.

He even created a site-specific artwork directly on the wall, though it has since been painted over for a new exhibition. It’s a bit bittersweet, as I would love to see it again.

This series by Lee Kang-so brilliantly combines traditional Eastern calligraphic brushwork with Western action painting, inspired by the motifs of ducks.

Featured here is the ‘Piffaretti System’ series by Bernard Piffaretti (b. 1955), from a relatively recent exhibition at the gallery.

Walking up one more level reveals a high-ceilinged exhibition hall featuring Lee Bae’s sculpture inspired by charcoal, titled ‘Issu du feu’. Having been displayed for quite some time, I’ve watched the seasons change around it.

This was captured during the cherry blossom season—the soft pink blossoms complement the surrounding scenery so beautifully.

There is usually a bench here where you can sit and enjoy the view. I spent about ten minutes relaxing here, taking time to clear my mind.

Here is the view during autumn. Korea has four distinct seasons, and if you visit around October or November, you can enjoy the vibrant fall foliage for a wonderfully long time.

Notice how high the ceiling is—this space features Philippe Parreno’s captivating light installation, titled ‘Marquee’.

Photos truly don’t do it justice; in person, it sparkles just like a collection of precious jewels.

The spacious hall was also hosting a diverse exhibition of drawing artworks.

I was able to admire works by Lee Ufan, one of Korea’s most iconic master artists. Is there any other artwork in the world that can evoke such a profound thrill with nothing more than simple dots and lines?

Although he has passed away, Kim Tschang-Yeul remains a master of Korean abstract art who deeply and exquisitely explored a single motif throughout his lifetime: waterdrops.

While traveling through Europe, I encountered Nam June Paik’s works quite often, and it was always delightful to see them. I heard these were created between the 1980s and 1990s—and even without being an expert in installation art, its brilliance is unmistakable.

It resembles a camera or a vending machine—isn’t it so charmingly unique?

Passing through this room, you’ll find a doorway leading to the adjacent space.

There is a private room located there, which hosts curated displays of furniture and artworks. It is occasionally opened to the general public as well!

This area was equally lovely. On the day of my visit, a special event was taking place, and they kindly served wine to the guests.


Can you spot the ocean horizon in the distance? That is Haeundae Beach.

There were also charming, cute little artworks—though I’m guessing the price tags aren’t quite as cute!

The distinct contrast of light and shadow gives the artwork a remarkably three-dimensional feel.

I was told that this space is a precise recreation of artist Kim Jong-hak’s actual studio.

I was always familiar with his finished masterpieces, but seeing his studio workspace in person for the first time was truly fascinating.

My jaw completely dropped. It made me wonder what it must feel like to live as an absolute artistic genius.

I took a photo of this masterpiece—if I had this hanging in my home, I’d probably admire it with awe every single day.

This was a video exhibition featuring Francisco Goya (1746–1828). I used to drop by every other day just to watch it. If I ever visit Spain, I definitely want to see his original works in person—it’s a absolute must!!

If you’re taller, you’d probably get a wider view of the ocean—this is what it looks like from my perspective!

This is the entrance to the building’s parking area.

The parking space at Johyun Gallery Busan is quite compact, fitting only about two cars, but the floor-to-ceiling glass design makes it look so stylish.


Because of the intense summer heat, I haven’t been able to visit as often lately, but I can’t wait for the weather to cool down so I can drop by every day. I’ll continue to share more of my absolute favorite art galleries in the future!
Be sure to check the exhibition schedule on their official website (johyungallery.com) before your visit. Please note that Johyun Gallery has three locations: Dalmaji, Haeundae, and Seoul—so make sure you are heading to the Dalmaji location! Also, keep in mind that they are closed between exhibitions for preparation.
If you’ve finished enjoying the exhibition, I highly recommend a wonderful dining spot nearby:
阅读下一篇: [ Moment Local Busan: Fine Steak & Oyster Dining Bar in Haeundae ]





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