Chinese Ambassador Expresses Regret Over Taiwan Pavilion Designation
Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing visited Gwangju and was reported to have expressed regret over the approval of the Taiwan Pavilion designation.
Timeline
Issue timeline
2026
Gwangju Apologizes Over Dispute and Reaffirms One-China Position
The local government apologized for insufficient communication surrounding the pavilion dispute and reaffirmed its respect for South Korea's existing One-China policy.
CORE EVENT
Chinese Pavilion Team Withdraws From Gwangju Biennale Over Taiwan Pavilion Name
The Chinese pavilion team announced its withdrawal in protest over the Taiwan Pavilion designation, arguing that political elements had entered the artistic sphere. Installation had already been halted, and the Gwangju Biennale Foundation had issued an apology the previous day.
South Korean Foreign Ministry Says Pavilion Name Was a Private Cultural Decision
The Foreign Ministry said the Taiwan Pavilion designation was an independent decision in the private cultural and arts sphere and did not alter South Korea's basic position regarding Taiwan.
Gwangju Biennale Chief Pledges Fundamental Reform of Pavilion System
Following the naming dispute and Chinese withdrawal, Gwangju Biennale representative Youn Bum-mo said the system separating national and institutional pavilions would be fundamentally reformed.