The 2nd Seoul Yuriji Craft Prize Exhibition at Seoul Museum of Craft Art

Spotlighting the creative frontier of contemporary Korean craftsmanship, The 2nd Seoul Yuriji Craft Prize Exhibition is on view in the first-floor lobby of Exhibition Building 1 at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) from September 1 to October 11, 2026. Established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to honor the pioneering spirit of the late master metalsmith Yuriji (1945–2013), this biennial prize recognizes innovative artisans who bridge traditional techniques with forward-looking aesthetic visions.

This commemorative showcase brings together twenty outstanding finalist entries, headlined by top-prize recipient Lee Tae-hoon’s glass sculpture Nocturne of a Blue Night in the Fog, presenting international audiences with an inspiring survey of contemporary Korean material culture.

Seoul Yuriji Craft Prize Exhibition: Overview and Visitor Details

• Exhibition Title: The 2nd Seoul Yuriji Craft Prize Exhibition
• Exhibition Dates: September 1, 2026 – October 11, 2026
• Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
• Venue: Seoul Museum of Craft Art, Exhibition Building 1, 1F Lobby (4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
• Featured Artists: Grand Prize Winner Lee Tae-hoon and 19 finalist craftspeople
• Admission: Free (Public access, no prior reservation required)

Atmospheric Resonance: Lee Tae-hoon’s Glass Masterpiece and Finalist Works

Awarded the highest distinction of the 2026 prize, Lee Tae-hoon’s Nocturne of a Blue Night in the Fog pushes the technical boundaries of traditional glassblowing. Its subtle color gradations mimic atmospheric fog shifting into deep midnight blue, creating an ethereal interplay of light, curvature, and optical depth.

The nineteen accompanying works span metalwork, ceramics, woodworking, and textiles. Each finalist demonstrates profound mastery over physical materials, interrogating contemporary themes while upholding the rigorous rigor of craft lineage. Together, they demonstrate why Korean craft continues to command global critical acclaim.

Key Viewing Highlights for International Museumgoers

When visiting the Seoul Museum of Craft Art in Anguk-dong, consider these three perspectives:

• Luminous Optical Nuances: Observe how natural sunlight streaming through the lobby windows transforms the blue gradients of Lee Tae-hoon’s prize-winning glass vessel.
• Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue: Compare the differing methodologies employed across ceramic, lacquer, metal, and fiber by the twenty finalists.
• Historic Bukchon Cultural Walk: Located directly beside Anguk Station Exit 1, SeMoCA is adjacent to Insa-dong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the scenic alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village.

To explore complementary institutional art programming in Seoul, view our reviews of the 2026 Title Match: Human Error at SeMA Buk-Seoul and Everyday Images at SNUMOA.

Official Notices and Visitor Access

For curator talks and museum facility details, visit the Seoul Museum of Craft Art official website. This report was compiled from official announcements released on September 16, 2026.