Money is returning to Korea’s art investment market as the won strengthens against the dollar, tax treatment remains relatively favorable and prices adjust after the pandemic boom. The exchange rate recently fell to around 1,300 Korean won from 1,550 Korean won in June, reducing the local-currency cost of works priced in dollars or euros. Individuals generally avoid acquisition, property and comprehensive real estate taxes when holding art, while paintings and antiques face other-income tax only when the sale price per item exceeds 60 million Korean won; works by living domestic artists are exempt. UBS said global art-market transaction volume rose 4% to $59.6 billion in 2025 after declines in 2023 and 2024, while Korea’s market grew 6%. The rebound follows a correction from the pandemic-era peak of $68.1 billion in 2022 to below $57.5 billion in 2024. Art’s role as a consumable alternative asset has also gained appeal as wealthy investors seek diversification: UBS found art represented 20% of surveyed portfolios in 2025, up from 15% in 2024, and 40% planned to increase purchases over the following year.