Artists Flock to Samsong Techno Valley for Big, Convenient Studios
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Samsong Techno Valley in Goyang, just outside Seoul, is emerging as a major hub for Korean artists. Dozens of prominent and mid-career artists — including Lee Bul, Lee Bae, Im Ok-sang, Lee Geon-yong and sculptor Lee Su-kyung — have set up spacious studios there because buildings offer large floor areas, high ceilings, vehicle access to studio doors, strong security and centralized climate control. These features make handling and storing large works easier and attract both established and younger artists who prefer lower costs than central Seoul. Different neighborhoods show genre clustering: Euljiro draws media artists (for easy access to electronics and small spaces), Mullae-dong remains a traditional sculpture district amid old ironworks, and satellite “jisans” (artist-focused industrial-style complexes) near subway lines offer door-to-door logistics and proximity to Seoul for exhibitions. Galleries also use these sites for storage and production, and many younger artists choose to buy or rent there as a practical alternative to rising Seoul rents.
