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Arts of Korea (Online)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Tickets available from 10.00 on Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Join us online 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.
With this online ticket, you can tune in to watch every lecture live as it is delivered, or you can learn at your own pace. Lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students in our online discussions, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
If you would prefer to join this course in-person at V&A South Kensington, you have two options: attend the lectures live, or upgrade your experience with five complementary gallery talks.
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A.
This course is for participants aged 18 and over.
With this online ticket, you can tune in to watch every lecture live as it is delivered, or you can learn at your own pace. Lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students in our online discussions, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
If you would prefer to join this course in-person at V&A South Kensington, you have two options: attend the lectures live, or upgrade your experience with five complementary gallery talks.
For more details, see V&A Academy online 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
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on 4 February 2026. General Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. 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 (Online)
20 April 2026 - 29 June 2026
£300.00
Tickets not available yet
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)
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Header image: Jacket, Chunghie Lee, 1992 - (LFE.281:2-1995)