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Arts of Korea (In Person)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Looking to dive deeper? Upgrade your experience with five expert-led gallery talks.
Not able to join us in person? You can also attend the course online.
For more details, see V&A Academy questions · V&A.
This course is for participants aged 18 and over.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners. Find out more >>
Join us at the V&A South Kensington for this 10-week course exploring the leading role of art and design from ancient to modern Korea. Innovations in ceramics, metalwork, lacquer, and textiles will be juxtaposed with paintings, prints and manuscripts. Want to know more? Take a look at the course programme for the full schedule, and book now to start your journey of discovery.
Your bespoke learning experience:
Your bespoke learning experience:
- Ask the experts: Pose your questions directly to V&A experts and subject specialists in our Q&As.
- Behind-the-scenes learning: Access industry insights and learn about how collections are researched, conserved, and interpreted.
- Community of learners: Engage with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive, discussion-rich environment.
- Miss a week? No stress: Access recordings of all your lectures as well as study materials through your secure Microsoft Teams online course environment.
Looking to dive deeper? Upgrade your experience with five expert-led gallery talks.
Not able to join us in person? You can also attend the course online.
For more details, see V&A Academy questions · V&A.
This course is for participants aged 18 and over.
V&A Academy Course Director
Dr Helen Glaister
Dr Helen Glaister is an art historian specialising in Chinese Ceramics and Decorative Arts. She worked at the British Museum and Birkbeck before joining the V&A as Course Director, Arts of Asia. Helen was awarded her MA and PhD from SOAS, University of London where she regularly teaches.
I signed up for this course as a one-off purely because of my interest in the subject but was so impressed by the lectures that I'll be looking to do further courses in the future. Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners. Find out more >>
Course overview
From ancient tomb arts to contemporary fashion and popular culture, this course introduces the rich material and visual culture of Korea. Early interactions between Korea, China and Japan highlight the role of trade and diplomacy, as well as religion along the ancient Silk Routes, notably Buddhism. The transmission of artistic influences and technological advances across the region stimulated the production of innovative ceramics, metalwork and lacquer which was highly valued at home and abroad.
The traditional Korean hanbok remains a potent expression of Korea identity, highlighting the key role of fashion and dress up to the present. The role of women will be explored through the skilful manufacture of silk and rami and representations of the New Woman in the Modern Age.
During the twentieth century, the impact of colonialism and division can be observed through the visual arts - including posters, prints, cinema and film - offering insights into the culture of North Korea. The continuing importance of contemporary craft in Korea allows us to observe the prominence of Korean art and design on the global stage.
Enrol now
Year course: Arts of Korea (In Person)
20 April 2026 - 29 June 2026
£500.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Related events
Header image: Jacket, Chunghie Lee, 1992 - (LFE.281:2-1995)