Seoul-based artist Gyoungtae Hong and director Younsook Im present a dedicated multimedia exhibition exploring the bustling city of Seoul. Set against the backdrop of the Victorian tunnels at Borough Yards, visitors will be able to weave through the multi-sensory displays and immerse themselves in the heritage and culture of Seoul.

Drawing on Seoul’s history such as the iconic gate Gwanghwamun, the shopping district of Myeongdong and Korean deities, each installation asks visitors to consider how different aspects of the past remain in contemporary Korean society today. A vibrant city with a population of just under 10 million, the exhibition brings the busy metropolis of Seoul to life. In this fresh interpretation of media art, visitors will witness the history, life and identity of the city. Taking inspiration from poetry and literature as well as exploring the impact of urbanisation, the immersive spaces illuminate where the ancient meets the contemporary.

Visitors will experience an extensive digital display of 12 large-scale installations. Hong seeks to redefine the boundaries of traditional art and create immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. The exhibition expands on the current zeitgeist of Korean culture and investigates Seoul through art, design and technology.

The digital technology behind the exhibition is built from over 8K images and is fitted with sound systems to create a fully immersive space across 1240 m2.

Artist Gyoungtae Hong said:

“Inspired by one of today’s most iconic cities, Delight offers a unique experience to immerse oneself in the vibrant city of Seoul, right here in London. I am excited to present an exhibition that integrates Seoul’s ancient myths, legends, a millennium-spanning history, and its contemporary urban landscape against the backdrop of London’s Victorian railway heritage. Going beyond traditional dichotomies, this experience merges analogue and digital realms, playing with light and shadow, and bridges past, present and future to illuminate a path to a brighter tomorrow. Delight is a story about the coexistence of duality.”

Curator Daehyung Lee said:

“Gyoungtae Hong artfully blends auditory, visual, and luminous elements. Through an expansive exhibition featuring 12 distinctive artworks, he not only illuminates the spiritual, philosophical, societal, and cultural intricacies shaping Seoul’s identity, but also provides insights into the broader essence of Korea. He creates a dance between reality and illusion, where symbols shift in meaning, hoping to spark differing reactions in viewers. Rooted in London’s historic backdrop, this exhibition transcends geographical boundaries, inviting diverse perspectives and effectively conveying the essence of Seoul and Korea to a global audience.”

The 12 art works

Showcasing multicoloured street signs, a room of 631 lights, the bustling sounds of Seoul and more, Delight comprises of:

Persona

Showcasing sixty voices from Seoul, ‘Persona’ captures the inherent rhythm of the city through the use of ambient music and recordings of quiet conversations amid the city’s hubbub.

631

A room awash with 631 lights, each one representing a year since the Joseon dynasty and a visual reminder of time’s continuum.

Mind: myth

This installation draws inspiration from age-old Korean myths and depicts the birth of the universe.

Shinro (God’s Road)

Based on the revered meditative path that guides souls towards divine communion, ‘Shinro’ reinterprets this path for modern viewers.

Poetry Vanishes

In a city overshadowed by signs, this installation mourns the fading poetic spirit in the city, symbolising nostalgia and the vanishing humanitarian values amidst fleeting memories.

Collage: Gwanghwa

This installation highlights Seoul’s rich culture and takes viewers on a journey, showcasing some of the faces, landscapes and sounds which make up the city.

Resonance

An evocative installation which flows vertically from the ceiling to mirror the bamboo forest, it is meant to conjure up a place where intellectuals are thought to find respite.

Goblins

This immersive installation explores the belief that the guardian spirits walk beside us, safeguarding our humanity and imagination. It welcomes viewers into a cave with unique ambient sounds and leaves ample room for contemplation.

Urban pulse

A meditation on the relationship between personal identity and collective ambition, this installation showcases Seoul as a pulsating entity through its use of signage.

The Moon

An intricate artwork which embodies balance, harmony and profound wisdom, and melds the moon with the ‘yin’ attributes of water, earth, and femininity to conjure up the theme of rejuvenation.

Neon Nostalgia

This installation marries the modern to the historic with today’s neon signs in Seoul set opposite a representation of the monochromatic 20th century.

The Path of Humanity

The culminating installation uses mirrors and traditional columns to represent the interdependence at the heart of human relationships.