Have you ever heard of a gallery being a “resting area for a free spirit”? Right here in Pyeongchang-dong, nestled on the slopes of Mount Bukhan, the Geurorichi Gallery embodies this unique concept. The Geurorichi Gallery holds a significant place in Korean art history. It originally thrived as a commercial gallery specializing in non-figurative art in the 1970s. The very ground we stand on was once the atelier of renowned sculptor Im Ok-sang.
In 2011, artist Kim Boseong, in his mid-40s, took over the Geurorichi Gallery. He initially renamed it “Gallery Pyeongchangdong” after the region. However, it quickly became a must-visit for art enthusiasts, a new shrine for art lovers in Seoul, and reverted to its original name: Geurorichi Gallery. Kim Boseong’s vision was to create a sanctuary for artists burdened by creative struggles. The gallery champions unique talents who might be unknown or undervalued. It avoids the already commercially successful, seeking out promising artists with a bright future.
The Geurorichi Gallery exhibits a constant stream of exceptional artwork. This dedication to quality is why it gained such a strong reputation so quickly. The gallery’s unique exhibition style has even garnered international acclaim through social media. Kim Boseong, having experienced the frustrations and disappointments of a 30-year artistic career himself, runs the gallery with deep respect for the artists he showcases. He understands the financial and emotional toll of artistic creation. The Geurorichi Gallery has thus become a haven for artists who have established their own unique style and audience.
A year after taking over Geurorichi, Kim Boseong also acquired and renovated the gallery of Kim Heungsou, a doyen of painting. The Geurorichi now boasts four impressive exhibition spaces. These total over 330 square meters, with ceilings soaring over four meters high. The spaces, bathed in natural light and open to the breeze, are a dream for artists to install their works. More than 1,000 artists exhibit at the Geurorichi Gallery annually. Over the years, it has invited between 600 and 1,000 artists each year to exhibit their work, further solidifying its reputation within the Korean art scene. The Geurorichi Gallery champions artists of all ages, backgrounds, and genres. It prioritizes creative merit above all else.