Illustration fair brings art picnic to Yongsan Park

A special cultural arts festival blending art and leisure in the heart of the city is welcoming visitors to one of Seoul's most storied green spaces.

The 2026 Yongsan Park Picnic Illustration Fair opened June 20 at Officer Quarters Complex 5 inside Yongsan Park and runs through July 5. Organized as part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's visual arts exhibition support project, the event combines illustration exhibitions, an art fair, live performances and hands-on programs into a single multi-genre cultural festival.

Officer Quarters Complex 5, once used as residential quarters for US military officers, is a site where historical significance and cultural value intersect. Recently opened to the public, it has drawn attention as a new cultural arts platform. The fair takes advantage of the venue's distinctive character, offering visitors an experience that pairs a park stroll with art appreciation.

Illustration works by artists with distinctive styles are displayed throughout the venue, drawing visitors in. The fair brings together a wide range of genres — from emotive drawings and original character art to experimental graphic works — all under one roof. Participatory programs that put artists and visitors in direct conversation are also on offer, helping to make art feel more accessible.

The fair also features special invited exhibitions by popular illustrators Grimbee and Heugryoseok. Visitors can compare the two artists' contrasting creative worlds through their signature works and new pieces, making the shows a focal point for illustration enthusiasts. The works, each carrying the artist's individual style and message, offer fresh inspiration and enjoyment.

On Friday, an artist fair will give participating illustrators the chance to meet visitors in person, share the stories behind their works and walk them through their creative processes. With works available for purchase and direct exchange between creators and the public, the event is expected to serve as a lively forum for connection.

The following day, Saturday, graffiti artist Baejbon will stage a live drawing performance. Visitors will be able to watch up close as a large-scale work is completed on the spot, offering a vivid encounter with an artist's creative energy.

A coloring program for families and children runs July 4 and 5, giving young visitors a chance to apply colors themselves and express their creativity, providing families with a shared cultural experience.

"We designed a new kind of cultural arts festival where art, a park setting and relaxation come together, so that citizens can enjoy richer and more varied leisure," the organizers said. "We hope visitors will freely enjoy the artists' works and the various hands-on programs in the special setting of Officer Quarters Complex 5, and find the joy of art and culture in everyday life."

Admission to the 2026 Yongsan Park Picnic Illustration Fair is free for the duration of the event. Detailed program schedules are available through the fair's official channels.