Incheon International Airport Corporation has unveiled Phase 4 of its Art Project, completing the transformation of Terminal 2 into the airport’s ‘Art Port.’
The Art Project spans approximately 1,930m in length and covers an area of 8,000m2. It includes 18 Art Pavilions – nine in each of the east and west wings – and offers passengers a cultural and artistic experience through curated exhibitions, traditional performances and installations by domestic and international artists.
Sense of place
The east and west wings are conceptually differentiated by their distinct interpretations of Korean content. The east wing features traditional Korean elements, including the Korean traditional garden Seungjaejeong, the ‘New Royal Walk Parade’ inspired by the Joseon Dynasty’s military procession, and an art pavilion titled Good Luck & Colorful Wishes by artist Chae Byungrok, which modernizes traditional Korean motifs.
In contrast, the west wing presents a reinterpretation of Korea from a global perspective. It showcases a curated exhibition reflecting contemporary art trends and features an art pavilion, ‘Korea Jazz’ by the international artist JonOne, who translates the inspiration drawn from his travels across Korea into vibrant colors.
Phase 3 focused on color as the central concept for spatial expression, while Phase 4 has introduced a differentiated approach by interpreting Korean content and the creative process. Through this, design, color and typography are used intuitively, establishing a wayfinding system that enables users to easily navigate to their destination. The east wing is distinguished by content and storytelling, enabling differentiation by region, while the west wing is categorized by color, providing clear navigation.
In the east wing, visitors can experience traditional Korean content centered around Seungjaejeong, a pavilion located in the secret garden of Changdeokgung Palace. Highlights include the New Royal Walk Parade, Korean traditional music performances and art installations.
Local art
The departure corridor features an Art Pavilion created by the Korean graphic artist Chae Byungrok, who blends traditional elements with modern aesthetics. Byungrok analyzed and reinterpreted auspicious symbols from traditional Korean folk painting (Minhwa) to craft a 500m “Path of Fortune” that conveys messages of encouragement and good wishes to travelers. Using gold, silver and the traditional five colors, combined with sheet-cutting techniques, the installation spans nine pavilions and showcases modernized Korean motifs through innovative graphic language.
In the west wing, visitors can explore Korea Jazz, an art installation by urban artist JonOne. Inspired by his travels across Korea – including Seoul, Incheon, Jeonju, Gyeongju and Jeju – JonOne captures the vibrancy of these experiences in bold colors. His signature abstract expressionist approach, based on the concept of ‘Playing with Colors’, radiates spontaneity and freedom, akin to the improvisational nature of jazz. The artwork juxtaposes abstraction on its front side with representational elements on the back, which is intended to create a striking visual contrast.
In addition, the curated exhibition Silver Lining: Behind the Clouds will be held from December 11, 2024, to April 8, 2025. The exhibition features the works of four artists, including domestic and international artists Park Keunho (Chamsae), Ahn Sungseok, Max Streicher and Bare.
In related news, Düsseldorf Airport recently opened an art trail for passengers. Click here to read the full story.