Geum KeySook at Seoul Museum of Craft Art: When Fashion Art Becomes Space

Geum KeySook: A Pioneer of Korean Fashion Art

If you are an lover of art or fashion while you are in South Korea, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art offers an experience that combines a passion for fashion and art. The Dancing Dreaming Enlightening exhibition runs from 23 December 2025 to 15 March 2026. It covers over 40 years of artistic work by the artist Geum KeySook, also known internationally as Geum Keysook.

This South Korean artist is one of the pioneers of fashion art in Korea. She invites visitors to discover the art of weaving iron wire and pearls through her unique and distinctive universe. Geum Keysook’s innovative vision is visible throughout her career.

The artists donated a total of 55 works (56 pieces) to the Seoul Museum o Carft Art. This exhibition highlights the art of using iron wire and pearl beads to create magnificent outfits. The exhibition brings together five sections: Dreaming, Dancing, Enlightening, Archive, and Into Space. Each section represents a different aspect of her unique universe. Yet they all complement each other, giving insight into Geum Keysook’s creativity and artistic journey.

From Childhood Memory to Fashion Art

Firstly, there is the ‘Dreaming’ part, which focuses on the origins of the artist’s creations, influenced by her childhood memories and, in particular, her connection between her hands and touch. Through these creations, visitors can see how this has shaped Geum KeySook’s artwork. In this section, Geum Keysook shares reflections from her personal history.

The artist’s memory is one of her stringing dried persimmons on a wire, and this gesture later became the act of weaving iron wire and pearls in Fashion Art. For example, Geum KeySook summons a childhood memory, giving it form in a white dress of iron wire, floating against the black night sky of PyeongChang. This memorable work by Geum Keysook demonstrates the artist’s talent and inspiration.

When Clothing Becomes Sculpture

Then we have the ‘Dancing’ section. It showcases Geum KeySook’s iconic Fashion Art works created from unusual materials such as iron wire, pearls and organza. This section also highlights the idea that ‘clothing becomes sculpture’ and then ‘sculpture becomes space’, a concept explored throughout Geum Keysook’s recent projects.

There is a reason why this part is called ‘Dancing’. It is from the dresses, jackets and low reliefs in which we can see various expressions placed in a dynamic way, along with their shadows, that blend into the space around them. This gives us the impression that they are dancing. Geum Keysook continues to redefine movement in fashion art.

Reinterpreting the Hanbok in Contemporary Design

Next, we have the ‘Enlightening’ section. The focus here is on works that re-interpret the lines, colours, vibrations and voids of the hanbok in a contemporary way. In these pieces, you can observe how Geum Keysook blends tradition with modern design philosophy.

Then we have the ‘Enlightening’ area, which focuses on works that reinterpret the lines, colours, textures and voids of the hanbok in a contemporary way. They echo traditional Korean dress, drawing on women’s jeogori, dangui, and jikryeong, as well as the ceremonial garments of seonbi scholars. Therefore, this highlights a Korean aesthetic inspired by traditional clothing mixed with a touch of contemporary style. It reflects how Geum Keysook is continually inspired by Korean heritage.

Fashion Art Beyond the Body and Into Public Space

We also have the ‘Archive’ section. These works highlight the important aspect of Fashion Art, which is not limited to the creation of artistic clothing. It also includes performance, stage design, image and conceptual research. Through drawings, sketchbooks and hand-sewn pieces, the public can discover her creative process, formal research and wide range of design activities. The archives truly showcase the breadth of Geum Keysook’s artistic contributions.

And finally, there’s the section called “Towards Space.” Here, Geum KeySook’s works are set up in places like cruise ships, building lobbies, and architectural public spaces all over the world. Geum Keysook’s presence in art spaces globally continues to expand her influence in contemporary craft.

In other words, it demonstrates that Fashion Art transcends the physical body. It becomes a form of public sculpture that structures space and the environment. This sense of spatial transformation is a hallmark of Geum Keysook’s installations.

When Fashion Art Becomes Cultural Symbol

However, they are not the only parts of the exhibition, as it also showcases the costumes worn by the sign-wielding agents at the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. These costumes caught the attention of the whole world and further established Geum Keysook within international circles.

These costumes, called ‘Snow Fairies’, are a contemporary adaptation of the structure and lines of the hanbok (Korean traditional clothing). Moreover, they are also a symbol of Korean Fashion Art, which has become recognised as a national iconic cultural heritage. Geum Keysook’s innovation in fashion is perfectly exemplified by these creations.

Immersion Beyond the Exhibition

In addition to this exhibition, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art is hosting educational workshops related to the exhibition. The goal is to provide a better understanding of Geum Ki-suk’s artistic universe. These events will take place from 6 January to 12 March 2026. They consist of 16 workshops and one meeting with the artist. In addition, eight workshops will be led directly by the artist, including one session dedicated to Geum Keysook’s creative insights. Also a meeting with the Geum KeySook took place on the 17 January where she presented her works and talk about her creative process while giving his opinion on the idea of donating his works to the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.

“not just a simple transfer of artworks, but a choice that carries value, sharing with future generations the time, the thought and the life devoted to creation”

Last but not least, this exhibition offers a direct immersion into the world of Fashion Art. It allows visitors not only to enjoy a tour guided by the beauty of the artworks on display, but also to experience a sensory immersion that introduces them to this unique artistic universe inspired by the work of Geum Keysook.

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