The Korean Cultural Center of New York (KCCNY) has unveiled a monumental art installation called the "Hangeul Wall: Things I Love to Talk About" at its atrium located at 122 East 32nd Street in Manhattan. The impressive installation measures 26 by 72 feet (8 by 22 meters) and is composed of 20,000 individual Hangeul tiles, creating a massive display that connects the wisdom and experiences of global citizens through Korea's unique writing system.
Developed through a collaboration with LG CNS, the project began with KCCNY launching a dedicated website in May 2024. The interactive platform enabled people from around the world to create their own artworks using the site's built-in translation and coloring functions, all centered around the theme "Things I Love to Talk About." The digital initiative proved remarkably successful, attracting more than 8.2 million visits from over 50 countries within just two months of its launch.
The overwhelming global response resulted in approximately 7,000 artwork submissions from participants worldwide. From this extensive collection, exactly 1,000 pieces were carefully selected through a comprehensive evaluation process that included both public online voting and professional artist review. These selected works were then incorporated into the final monumental installation that now graces the cultural center's atrium.
According to KCCNY, the Hangeul Wall serves as both a symbol of Korea's rich cultural heritage through its traditional writing system and a representation of universal freedom of expression. The installation stands as a powerful testament to shared human narratives that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, demonstrating how art can unite people from diverse backgrounds around common themes and experiences.
The conceptual framework behind the project deliberately challenges traditional perceptions of walls as barriers. While walls are conventionally seen as structures that divide and separate communities, the Hangeul Wall represents an entirely different kind of structure—one that promotes peace and unity. Rather than creating separation, this artistic installation transcends conventional boundaries to become a canvas of connection and harmony, bringing together voices from across the globe in a single, cohesive display.
The installation represents a significant achievement in cultural diplomacy and digital engagement, showcasing how traditional Korean culture can be adapted and presented in innovative ways to engage international audiences. The project's success demonstrates the growing global interest in Korean culture and language, while also highlighting the power of collaborative artistic endeavors to bridge cultural divides and create meaningful connections between people from different nations and backgrounds.
