Yery Chung

Critical thinking and finding your voice

My time studying BA Curating at Goldsmiths was both grounding and eye-opening. What I enjoyed most was the freedom to think critically and experiment — there was no single “right” way to approach curating, and that pushed me to develop my own voice and perspective.

The course encouraged us to question institutions, authorship, and power, while still staying connected to how the art world actually functions. 

A supportive environment and diverse student body

The environment in Visual Cultures felt open, conversational, and genuinely supportive. Coming from an international background, I really appreciated how diverse the student body was and how much learning happened through discussion and exchange.

Seminars felt like shared thinking spaces rather than formal lectures, and tutors consistently encouraged curiosity, independence, and confidence.

Discovering the possibilities of curating and personal growth

One thing that surprised me was how broadly curatorial thinking could be applied. Studying at Goldsmiths helped me see curating not just as exhibition-making, but as a way of researching, communicating, and building relationships across different cultural and professional contexts.

On a personal level, Goldsmiths shaped how I think and work. It gave me the confidence to navigate between academic research and professional practice, and to move comfortably between different countries, disciplines, and roles.

The experience continues to influence how I approach my career today.

Life after Goldsmiths

I’m currently the CEO and founder of YRY Pacific, where I work across art advisory, cultural projects, and research-led initiatives connecting contemporary art with technology.

Before starting YRY, I worked at Seoul Auction in curatorial and business strategy roles, which gave me a very hands-on understanding of how the art market operates—from artists and exhibitions to collectors, platforms, and institutions.

At YRY Pacific, my role is a mix of strategy, research, and creative problem-solving. I work on art-related projects, advise on collections and cultural initiatives, and develop longer-term research around how AI and digital systems are changing visibility and value in the art world.

What I enjoy most is that the work sits somewhere between theory and practice — ideas don’t stay abstract, they turn into real projects.

Looking ahead, I see my future continuing to move between Korea and the international art scene, and between professional practice and research.

For prospective students, especially Korean or international students, I think Goldsmiths is a place that helps you build confidence in your own direction. Studying curating doesn’t lock you into one path — it gives you a way of thinking that can travel across roles, countries, and industries.

Living in London as an international student: learning beyond the classroom

Studying at Goldsmiths and living in London as an international student felt like stepping into another city I could grow with. Having spent much of my teenage years in places like LA and Vancouver, London quickly became part of a familiar rhythm rather than something I had to adjust to.

What I loved most was how learning extended beyond the classroom. Ideas flowed through exhibitions, public talks, long walks across the city, and conversations with people from very different backgrounds. Goldsmiths encouraged exchange and curiosity, which made the experience feel open and alive.

Being in London added energy and perspective to my studies, and the mix of global voices shaped how I think and work today. It was an exciting, formative period that still influences the way I approach new cities, collaborations, and ideas.

Benefits of studying in New Cross and inspiring art on campus

What I liked about studying in New Cross was how easy daily life felt on campus. The library and cafés were practical places to work or meet friends between classes, and everything was close enough that you didn’t have to overthink your routine.

I also really appreciated the college exhibition spaces. The graduate exhibitions were genuinely well produced and thoughtfully curated and seeing that level of work on campus made the course feel very real and practice-led. It was motivating to watch how ideas developed into full exhibitions over time.

The area itself is fairly quiet and low-key compared to central London. It’s not the most polished neighbourhood, but it works well as a student base. When I wanted more energy — exhibitions, museums, or just a change of pace — the rest of London was always easy to reach.

Advice for future students

My advice would be to give yourself time and space to grow into the experience. Studying at Goldsmiths — and coming to university in general — isn’t about having everything figured out from the start. It’s okay to arrive with questions, uncertainties, and changing interests.

Goldsmiths offers a lot of freedom, and that can feel unfamiliar at first, especially for international students. But that openness allows you to explore ideas, meet people from very different backgrounds, and slowly shape your own way of thinking.

Some of the most meaningful learning happens through conversations, group work, and moments outside the classroom.

I would also say: don’t compare your journey too closely with others. Everyone moves at a different pace, and that’s part of what makes the environment so rich.

University is not only about building a career, but about developing confidence in your voice and perspective.

If you stay open, curious, and patient with yourself, Goldsmiths can be a place that stays with you long after you graduate — both professionally and personally.