‘Gangwon International Triennale 2024’ ended successfully. A total of 20,706 people visited the exhibition hall at this event, completing the long journey of a traveling visual arts festival across 18 cities and counties in Gangwon-do.
‘Gangwon International Triennale 2024’ centered on Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and 77 teams (85 people) from 22 countries participated and presented 216 works. The theme of this Triennale was ‘Ecological Art from the Beneath’, and exhibitions were held in various places, including the Pyeongchang Trout Performance Experience Center in Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Woljeongsa Temple, Jinbu Market, and Space Changgong (Jinbu Station).
In the main hall of the Pyeongchang Trout Complex Performance Experience Center, world-class artists such as Poland’s Joanna Raikowska, Korea’s Yeondu Jeong, and Argentina-Germany’s Thomas Saraceno participated in the ‘From Below’ section. Additionally, in the ‘Splitting Space’ section, Mexico’s Bosco Sodi, America’s Mary Mattingly, and Korea’s Taewon Heo presented an audience experience type exhibition. In the ’Her Digital Nature’ section, artists Livana Neuengenschwander from Brazil, Ken and Julia Yonetani from Japan and Australia, and Soo-kyung Lee from Korea participated.
For the first time in the Gangwon Triennale, this Triennale signed a collaboration with the Quinstler House, an Austrian art institution with 163 years of tradition, and exhibitions directly curated by the institution’s president Tanya Pruschnik were held twice in Chuncheon and Pyeongchang. In addition, international commissioners such as Raoul Zamudio (USA), Kodama Kanazawa (Japan), and Richard Streitmatter-Tran (Vietnam) participated from the early stages of planning, and participated in the selection of works and planning of the international symposium.
An official from the Gangwon Cultural Foundation said, “This Gangwon International Triennale was a visual arts festival created together with local residents through art. “We would like to thank all the local residents who participated in the event, and we will continue to strengthen the power of culture and arts with the region,” he said in his closing remarks.
Meanwhile, Gangwon Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Seong-hyeon, hereinafter referred to as the “Foundation”) participated in the Korea MICE Expo (KME) 2024, the largest MICE expo in Korea, held at Songdo Convensia in Incheon from the 6th to the 8th. The Special Self-Governing Province’s tourism resources and MICE infrastructure were actively promoted.
This year’s KME was hosted by Incheon City and the Incheon Tourism Organization, and approximately 3,000 domestic and foreign MICE officials attended to explore various opportunities for cooperation. To promote the natural scenery, culture, and MICE infrastructure of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, the Foundation jointly operated a promotional center with nine member companies belonging to the ‘Gangwon MICE Alliance’. The Gangwon Promotion Center introduces Gangwon’s nature, traditional culture, and differentiated MICE infrastructure, and in particular, various companies and travel agencies such as AIA and Bangkok Bank showed great interest in Gangwon reward tourism in 2025.
On the 9th, the foundation plans to hold a familiarization tour for major buyers to visit major tourist attractions in Chuncheon and Hongcheon. Through this, we plan to help buyers directly experience Gangwon’s charms and gain a deeper understanding of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province’s ability to attract MICE.
In addition, in KME’s networking program ‘KME Night’, the foundation was selected as an excellent member of the Korea MICE Association and was recognized for its continuous efforts to develop the MICE industry in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. CEO Choi Seong-hyeon went on stage as a representative of the outstanding member company and expressed his thoughts about the award, saying, “This award is an important achievement that confirms the possibility that Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province can leap forward as a global center in the MICE industry.” He then expressed his ambition, saying, “We will continue to promote the charm of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province to the world and grow Gangwon into a world-class MICE region through close cooperation with domestic and foreign MICE organizations.” He also added, “As the growth of the MICE industry is directly related to the local economy, we will do our best to increase Gangwon’s economic vitality.”
Lee Sang-jin, a student at Kangwon National University who is active as a Gangwon MICE supporter, won the Korea Tourism Organization President’s Award at the ‘2024 22nd Korea MICE Awards’ awards ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Lee Sang-jin said, “It is very meaningful to be able to publicize the charm of Gangwon,” and added, “I will continue to actively promote MICE in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.”
Through this expo, the foundation expanded domestic and international networks to revitalize the MICE industry in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and discovered new opportunities to attract MICE events in the Gangwon region. A foundation official said, “We plan to continue to strengthen our position in the global MICE market based on Gangwon’s unique tourism resources and focus on increasing the local economy and city brand value.”
Economy Queen Reporter Choi Hana
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Interview between Time.news Editor and MICE Expert Dr. Hana Lee on the Success of the Gangwon International Triennale 2024
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lee! Thank you for joining us today. The Gangwon International Triennale 2024 recently concluded with remarkable success. What were your initial thoughts when you learned that the event attracted over 20,000 visitors?
Dr. Hana Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s truly impressive, particularly for a Triennale that spanned multiple locations throughout Gangwon-do. The fact that the event resonated with such a significant number of visitors shows the effectiveness of engaging both local communities and international artists. This blend enhances cultural exchange and community involvement, which are crucial for a successful arts festival.
Editor: Absolutely! The theme “Ecological Art from the Beneath” seems particularly timely. In your opinion, how does this theme reflect current global conversations on ecology and art?
Dr. Lee: The theme is not only relevant, but also a powerful medium to address environmental issues through creative expression. By focusing on “from the Beneath,” it encourages artists and audiences to think about unseen ecosystems and the importance of sustainability. This approach can inspire a more profound appreciation for nature and prompt discussions about our responsibility toward it, a conversation that’s very much needed in today’s world.
Editor: The Triennale featured 77 participating teams from 22 countries, showcasing works in various unique locations. How does this choice of venues contribute to the overall experience?
Dr. Lee: Choosing diverse and culturally significant venues like the Pyeongchang Trout Performance Experience Center and Woljeongsa Temple not only highlights the local context but also elevates the artworks themselves. Each location adds an extra layer to the narrative of the exhibition, inviting visitors to engage with the art in a holistic environment that reflects both the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the area.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see international collaboration, like the partnership with the Quinstler House. What impact do you think such collaborations have on local arts festivals?
Dr. Lee: Collaborations with international institutions like the Quinstler House bring a wealth of experience and a global perspective to local events. They can enhance the quality of the exhibitions through curated programming and provide visibility to local artists on the international stage. This not only enriches the festival itself but also positions the local arts scene as a vibrant player in the global conversation about contemporary art.
Editor: The Gangwon Cultural Foundation noted that the festival was created together with local residents. How important is community involvement in art festivals like this?
Dr. Lee: Community involvement is vital. It fosters a sense of ownership and pride among locals, which can enhance the cultural fabric of the region. By actively involving community members, the festival helps cultivate local talent and encourage future generations to engage with the arts. It’s a symbiotic relationship where art enriches the community just as the community supports the arts.
Editor: Lastly, with the upcoming Korea MICE Expo, what does the future hold for Gangwon in terms of tourism and cultural art initiatives?
Dr. Lee: The future looks bright! The active promotion of Gangwon’s natural scenery alongside MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure is a smart strategy that can attract more international visitors and businesses. Festivals like the Triennale lay a solid foundation for cultural tourism, inviting art lovers from around the world while diversifying the region’s economic activities. Continued investment in arts and culture will undoubtedly position Gangwon as a prominent player in both the tourism and MICE sectors.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that events like the Gangwon International Triennale can have lasting impacts, not just in the art world but also for the local community and economy.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss these significant developments with you.