Daein Night Market

Video and Photos by David Cowger. Photos also by Adam Hogue

If you pass through Daein Market on a normal day, you may not notice anything special about it right away. You will see the usual vegetable stands, smell the salty air preserving dried fish and hear the friendly calls of elderly shop owners. However, upon closer examination of this archeological site, one can also feel the vibrations of new life pulsing through the veins of each alleyway. During summer, the Daein Night Market invites Gwangju’s citizens to consider the purpose of this market as a gateway to Art Street.

In 2008 the Gwangju Biennale commissioned a group of artists to live and work in Daein Market. Since then, the metropolitan and federal governments have supported this residency project. Assisted by director, Cho Seungki, artists and coordinators work year-round to produce and present art right inside the market. This year, nine artists are sharing seven gallery spaces. As they are publicly funded spaces, these art spaces, including a cafe and library are open to visit any day. You just have to know where to look.

So how did we find it? William Andersen is Gwangju Art Market’s newest resident. An American national teaching in Kuwait, William was looking for a residency in Korea where he could spend summer break working alongside his friend who is making a film set in Korea. William found what he was looking for, and we found him there. As our very gracious adopted host, he led us down graffiti-painted alleys to Mite-Ugro (미테 우그로). This is where community members gather nightly not only to bask in the air-conditioning, but also to share tools, ideas, and a few drinks. The romance of it is overwhelming and its seclusion only heightens the mystery and enticement.

Although the veil of the market provides privacy to the artists, everything is “aired out” at the end of each summer month. The Night Market is the time and place for normal citizens, market owners and artists to collaborate on an event that suits everyone’s tastes. Patrons can sample blue lemonade in a bag, browse the crafts, and if they look closely, experience the fine arts.

The Daein Night Market epitomizes Gwangju as the “City of Art”.  Quietly calling to citizens, it asks them to participate in art however they see fit; dancing to live music, buying handmade crafts or visiting a few galleries. Art in Gwangju does not attempt to compete with the neon signs and K-pop blasting on every city corner. It lies like hidden treasure waiting to be found.

Dates for future night markets are as follows:  September 7th, 8th, 21st, and 22nd, and October 19th and 20th opening at 7:30 p.m. and closing at midnight each day. For more information visit the website (Korean language only).

Acknowledgements:

Andrea Edwards, Arts Editor

William Andersen, Resident Artist

Lee Nan Young, Program Manager

Sunny Kim, Translator