A poster for “We Are Connected,” a retrospective of Ik-Joong Kang’s works (Photo courtesy of the Korean Cultural Center New York)

The Korean Cultural Center New York unveiled the monumental public art installation “Hangeul Wall” on September 25. Standing 22 meters tall and 8 meters wide, this awe-inspiring structure consists of over 20,000 blocks inscribed with messages in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. The wall is a global collaboration among 7,000 participants from 50 countries who shared their thoughts on the topic “Things I Love to Talk About.”

“Hangeul Wall: Things I Love to Talk About” (2024) (Photo by Kunning Huang / Korean Cultural Center New York)

One-thousand submissions were selected, with the contributors’ names displayed next to their messages. As the world’s first and largest Hangeul-based public art installation, it showcases the versatility and global reach of the Korean language.

“Hangeul Wall” is part of a broader exhibition titled “We Are Connected,” which celebrates not only the Korean alphabet, but also the universality of communication and shared human expression. Each block tells a unique story, creating a tapestry of thoughts with a powerful, unified message. The installation serves as a dynamic example of how public art can promote cross-cultural understanding and create spaces for meaningful exchange.

To coincide with the unveiling of “Hangeul Wall,” the Korean Cultural Center New York is hosting a retrospective of acclaimed artist Ik-Joong Kang’s work through November 7. The exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of Kang’s career and offers visitors a rare opportunity to view a wide selection of his works. One highlight is a collection of 6,000 miniature works held by the Whitney Museum of American Art for more than 30 years, which will be on public display for the first time in decades. These intricate 3-inch pieces exemplify Kang’s signature style of using small blocks to create expansive, thought-provoking mosaics that reflect his belief in the importance of individual contributions to a collective whole.

The exhibition also features some of Kang’s most iconic works, including “1392 Moon Jars,” part of the Guggenheim Museum’s permanent collection. Kang imbues this traditional Korean ceramic vessel with a contemporary sensibility. In his work, he explores the themes of memory, identity and human connections. As such, his work resonates universally, though deeply rooted in Korean cultural heritage. 

Ik-Joong Kang’s “1392 Moon Jars (Wind)” (2008–2010) (Photo by Kunning Huang / Korean Cultural Center New York)