Incheon Airport Blends Culture and Art

Incheon International Airport Corporation (President Lee Hag-jae) has unveiled the Phase 4 ‘Art Project,’ completing the identity of Terminal 2 as the ‘Art Port.’

The newly revealed Art Project spans approximately 1,930 meters in length and covers an area of 8,000 square meters. It includes 18 Art Pavilions—9 in each the east and west wings—and offers passengers a unique cultural and artistic experience through curated exhibitions, traditional performances, and installations by renowned domestic and international artists, transforming the space into a multi-dimensional cultural art hub.

Phase 3 focused on color as the central concept for spatial expression, while Phase 4 introduces 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, allowing for 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. The departure corridor features an Art Pavilion created by the Korean graphic artist Chae Byungrok, who blends traditional elements with modern aesthetics. Chae Byungrok analyzed and reinterpreted auspicious symbols from traditional Korean folk painting (Minhwa) to craft , a 500-meter-long "Path of Fortune" that conveys messages of encouragement and good wishes to travelers. Using gold, silver, and traditional five colors, combined with meticulous sheet-cutting techniques, the installation spans nine pavilions and showcases modernized Korean motifs through 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, creating a striking visual contrast.

In addition, the curated exhibition ≪Silver Lining: Behind the Clouds≫ will be held from 11 December 8 April next year. The exhibition features the works of four artists, including domestic and international artists Park Keunho (CHAMSAE), Ahn Sungseok, Max Streicher, and BARE. The exhibit is composed of pieces that deliver messages of hope in the airport, the space closest to the sky.

Meanwhile, Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2 (T2), which opened in 2018, aims to become a global mega-hub airport where travelers can experience culture and art through continuous challenges and innovation.