Japanese artist Yuko Higuchi's darkly enchanting universe is populated by quirky felines, one-eyed monsters, fairy-tale girls and otherworldly creatures. Courtesy of Yuko Higuchi

Japanese artist Yuko Higuchi's darkly enchanting universe — teeming with quirky felines, one-eyed monsters, fairy-tale girls and otherworldly creatures — has landed at The Hyundai Seoul for her first solo exhibition in Korea.

"Secret Forest" invites viewers into her fantasy world, better defined as a merry mix of the bizarrely surreal and the lovable.

With more than 1,000 pieces on display, the show traces Higuchi's two-decade-long creative journey, from her early drawings and illustrations to poster designs, brand collaborations, dolls, picture books and costumes. Unveiled alongside all this are new works created specifically for the Seoul presentation, adding another dimension to this already extensive collection.

Yuko Higuchi invites viewers into her fantasy world, a merry mix of the bizarrely surreal and the lovable. Courtesy of Yuko Higuchi

Yuko Higuchi's Gustave is a peculiar creature with the head of a cat, snakes for arms and octopus tentacles for legs. Courtesy of Yuko Higuchi

Among the highlights are the artist's signature pieces, such as her anthropomorphic cat "Yanko," the evocative illustrations in "Love Letter" and the endearing tales of "Gustave," a peculiar creature with the head of a cat, snakes for arms and octopus tentacles for legs.

In her playful "Gyutis" series, Gustave takes center stage, reimagined as figures inspired by the great French modernist Henri Matisse.

Her whimsical imagination also breaks from the page, coming to life in tactile forms as felt dolls, wooden mini-books, folding screens, dresses and cushions.

Over the years, Higuchi has collaborated with an array of powerhouse brands, including Uniqlo and Gucci, the latter of which commissioned her illustrations for its 2018 Spring/Summer Children's Collection.

"Secret Forest" dedicates a section to these collaborations, featuring pieces produced in partnership with the Japanese magazine MOE, fast-food franchise MOS Burger and high-end art materials manufacturer Holbein.

Installation view of Yuko Highchi's solo exhibition, "Secret Forest," at The Hyundai Seoul / Courtesy of Yuko Higuchi

What further enhances the immersive viewing experience of her oeuvre is the fact that the show's spatial design and setup were personally helmed by Higuchi herself, as noted by the exhibition organizer, GNC Media.

"Secret Forest" runs through Jan. 22 next year at The Hyundai Seoul.