Stepping into a dome reminiscent of an ancient Silla burial mound, visitors are greeted by a surreal vision of Earth at the end of a dark tunnel. Sunlight streams through a circular, geometrically perforated ceiling, refracting off red, green, and turquoise tiles to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. “Fantastic!” exclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson, encountered inside the dome. Snapping his fingers, he added, “Do you feel the resonance of sound? You’re now inside the womb of Earth.”
On Dochodo Island in Shinan County, Jeollanam-do, world-renowned installation artist Olafur Eliasson, 57, has debuted his latest creation, *Breathing Earth Sphere.* Located on an island spanning 55.28 square kilometers and home to just 2,374 residents, Dochodo is a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Mokpo. The completion ceremony for *Breathing Earth Sphere* took place on Nov. 13 at a hydrangea park in Jinam-ri, Docho-myeon. Visitors ascending a cedar-lined path to the hilltop encounter the dome-like structure, which opens to reveal a vivid display of natural light reflected on colorful tiles.
Eliasson explained that the entire journey—climbing the hill, observing the natural surroundings, and stepping into the dome—forms an essential part of the artwork.
“Breathing Earth Sphere” marks the inaugural project of Shinan County’s “Art Islands Project,” an ambitious initiative inviting world-class artists to integrate the region’s unique natural landscapes—its seas, land, and sunlight—into their works. Speaking at a Nov. 15 press conference in Seoul, Shinan County Mayor Park Woo-ryang highlighted the project’s importance, noting, “Shinan ranks as the most at-risk region among South Korea’s 226 local governments in terms of population decline. Agriculture alone—focused on garlic, green onions, and scallions—cannot sustain this area. Transforming this small island into a cultural and artistic hub is a strategy for survival.” The initiative has drawn several prominent artists, including James Turrell on Noedaedo Island, Antony Gormley on Bigeumdo Island, and Mario Botta in collaboration with sculptor Park Eun-sun on Jaundo Island, with their works at various stages of development.
Eliasson’s dome, located atop the hydrangea park, measures approximately 8 meters in diameter and is constructed from basalt tiles. “Inside, you’ll find no floor, no walls, no horizon,” Eliasson explained. “It feels like stepping into Earth’s womb, where you can truly connect with yourself and the planet.” The dome’s open ceiling exposes visitors to rain, snow, and wind, with a discreet drainage system installed beneath. During the day, sunlight shifts across the tiles as the sun moves, while external lighting transforms the structure’s colors at night.
Dochodo Island, formed by ancient volcanic activity, rises dramatically from the sea—an element that inspired Eliasson to use basalt tiles. “Only three companies worldwide can produce basalt tiles from volcanic rock, so we collaborated with an Italian firm,” Eliasson noted. “However, all other materials and techniques were sourced locally in South Korea.” The project, with a construction cost of 4.7 billion won (about $3.37 million), was a collaborative effort involving landscape design firm Seoahn, architectural firm Lifethings, and PKM Gallery.
Eliasson emphasized humanity’s fleeting existence compared to Earth’s longevity. “If we think of Earth as being one year old, humanity’s presence amounts to less than a single second,” he said. “Standing here, we must respect the planet’s resilience.” Kang Hyung-ki, a professor at Chungbuk National University and chief curator of the “Art Islands Project,” described “Breathing Earth Sphere” as “an immersive work completed only when visitors step inside and form a personal connection with the space.”
The artwork will officially open to the public on Nov. 25. To maintain an intimate experience, Shinan County has implemented a reservation system on its website, allowing only five visitors at a time for five-minute intervals.
Following Dochodo Island, future installations include the “Floating Museum” on Anjwado Island next year, Antony Gormley’s “Elemental” on Bigeumdo Island by late 2025, and Mario Botta and Park Eun-sun’s “Infinite Museum” on Jaundo Island by 2026.
