In September, Seoul will once again become a focal point for the global art scene with the concurrent hosting of Frieze and Kiaf Seoul. This dual presentation, marking their third year of collaboration, is set to invigorate Korea's vibrant art landscape and extend its influence beyond the capital. The event is further amplified by the ongoing Gwangju and Busan Biennales.
Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "The collaboration between Frieze and Kiaf Seoul has established a new chapter in the global art market. It truly demonstrates what can be achieved when two distinct yet complementary fairs come together." He added, "We aim to facilitate a two-way dialogue—bringing non-Asian galleries and audiences together, while also providing Asian artists, galleries, and institutions the opportunity to present their works to a broader international audience."
The two art fairs will open simultaneously at COEX in southern Seoul on September 4, featuring over 310 prominent and emerging galleries from around the world. A combined ticket for both fairs is priced at 250,000 won ($187) for a preview pass and 80,000 won ($60) for general admission.
Courtesy of Kiaf Seoul
Frieze Seoul will maintain a similar scale to previous editions, with over 110 dealers from 32 countries participating. Notably, 23 of these galleries are new to the fair, underscoring the event's growing international appeal. This year's edition is described as the most global Frieze Seoul to date.
The fair will continue to emphasize Asian-based exhibitors, with nearly 63 percent of participants hailing from the region. Notable galleries include Gladstone Gallery, showcasing works by Robert Rauschenberg and Anicka Yi—Yi is also set to feature prominently in her upcoming solo museum exhibition at Leeum Museum of Art. Gagosian will present works by Maurizio Cattelan, Nam June Paik, and Derrick Adams, with Adams’ new pieces making their debut at Amorepacific's headquarters.
MASSIMODECARLO, which recently opened a studio in Seoul, will divide its booth into three sections, featuring painter Shannon Cartier Lucy, alongside group displays of figurative and abstract works. Lehmann Maupin will spotlight four influential Korean artists: Kim Yun-shin, Lee Bul, Do Ho Suh, and Sung Neung-kyung, all of whom are gaining international recognition.
Mark Justiniani, Wormholes, 2024, Mixed media, Courtesy of Frieze
Additional solo presentations include Gallery Hyundai featuring Jeon Joon-ho, Galerie Quynh showcasing Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s brass sculptures, and Timothy Taylor with Honor Titus’ contemporary reinterpretations of Western portraiture.
Frieze Seoul will also continue its two feature sections: Focus Asia, highlighting ten groundbreaking artists introduced through emerging regional galleries, and Frieze Masters, dedicated to historical art ranging from the Middle Ages to 20th-century masterpieces by artists like Kim Whanki, Chang Uc-chin, and Niki de Saint Phalle. Throughout the fair, two new large-scale sculptures by Choi Goen, winner of the fair’s second annual Artist Award, will be on display.
The 23rd edition of Kiaf Seoul, Korea’s longest-running contemporary art fair, will welcome 206 exhibitors from 22 countries. Among these, 132 galleries are from Korea, reflecting the event’s commitment to showcasing innovative local art and emerging talents to an international audience. The fair will expand across two floors of COEX, featuring new booth layouts designed by architect Jang Yoo-jin to enhance the viewing experience.
Louise Bourgeois, Femme, 2003, Courtesy of Frieze
The special exhibition “Kiaf onSITE: Invisible Transitions,” curated by Lee Seung-ah of Urban Art Lab, will explore alternative perspectives on our ever-changing reality through wearable technology, virtual reality, and experimental performance.
Hwang Dal Seung, President of the Galleries Association of Korea, hinted at the international expansion of the partnership, noting that Kiaf Seoul plans to participate in Expo Chicago next April, following its acquisition by Frieze.
In conclusion, the simultaneous hosting of Frieze and Kiaf Seoul represents a significant moment for Seoul’s art scene, reaffirming its role as a global art hub and elevating Korea’s cultural influence on the international stage.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Courtesy of Kiaf Seoul
In September, Seoul will once again become a focal point for the global art scene with the concurrent hosting of Frieze and Kiaf Seoul. This dual presentation, marking their third year of collaboration, is set to invigorate Korea's vibrant art landscape and extend its influence beyond the capital. The event is further amplified by the ongoing Gwangju and Busan Biennales.
Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "The collaboration between Frieze and Kiaf Seoul has established a new chapter in the global art market. It truly demonstrates what can be achieved when two distinct yet complementary fairs come together." He added, "We aim to facilitate a two-way dialogue—bringing non-Asian galleries and audiences together, while also providing Asian artists, galleries, and institutions the opportunity to present their works to a broader international audience."
The two art fairs will open simultaneously at COEX in southern Seoul on September 4, featuring over 310 prominent and emerging galleries from around the world. A combined ticket for both fairs is priced at 250,000 won ($187) for a preview pass and 80,000 won ($60) for general admission.
Courtesy of Kiaf Seoul
Frieze Seoul will maintain a similar scale to previous editions, with over 110 dealers from 32 countries participating. Notably, 23 of these galleries are new to the fair, underscoring the event's growing international appeal. This year's edition is described as the most global Frieze Seoul to date.
The fair will continue to emphasize Asian-based exhibitors, with nearly 63 percent of participants hailing from the region. Notable galleries include Gladstone Gallery, showcasing works by Robert Rauschenberg and Anicka Yi—Yi is also set to feature prominently in her upcoming solo museum exhibition at Leeum Museum of Art. Gagosian will present works by Maurizio Cattelan, Nam June Paik, and Derrick Adams, with Adams’ new pieces making their debut at Amorepacific's headquarters.
MASSIMODECARLO, which recently opened a studio in Seoul, will divide its booth into three sections, featuring painter Shannon Cartier Lucy, alongside group displays of figurative and abstract works. Lehmann Maupin will spotlight four influential Korean artists: Kim Yun-shin, Lee Bul, Do Ho Suh, and Sung Neung-kyung, all of whom are gaining international recognition.
Mark Justiniani, Wormholes, 2024, Mixed media, Courtesy of Frieze
Additional solo presentations include Gallery Hyundai featuring Jeon Joon-ho, Galerie Quynh showcasing Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s brass sculptures, and Timothy Taylor with Honor Titus’ contemporary reinterpretations of Western portraiture.
Frieze Seoul will also continue its two feature sections: Focus Asia, highlighting ten groundbreaking artists introduced through emerging regional galleries, and Frieze Masters, dedicated to historical art ranging from the Middle Ages to 20th-century masterpieces by artists like Kim Whanki, Chang Uc-chin, and Niki de Saint Phalle. Throughout the fair, two new large-scale sculptures by Choi Goen, winner of the fair’s second annual Artist Award, will be on display.
The 23rd edition of Kiaf Seoul, Korea’s longest-running contemporary art fair, will welcome 206 exhibitors from 22 countries. Among these, 132 galleries are from Korea, reflecting the event’s commitment to showcasing innovative local art and emerging talents to an international audience. The fair will expand across two floors of COEX, featuring new booth layouts designed by architect Jang Yoo-jin to enhance the viewing experience.
Louise Bourgeois, Femme, 2003, Courtesy of Frieze
The special exhibition “Kiaf onSITE: Invisible Transitions,” curated by Lee Seung-ah of Urban Art Lab, will explore alternative perspectives on our ever-changing reality through wearable technology, virtual reality, and experimental performance.
Hwang Dal Seung, President of the Galleries Association of Korea, hinted at the international expansion of the partnership, noting that Kiaf Seoul plans to participate in Expo Chicago next April, following its acquisition by Frieze.
In conclusion, the simultaneous hosting of Frieze and Kiaf Seoul represents a significant moment for Seoul’s art scene, reaffirming its role as a global art hub and elevating Korea’s cultural influence on the international stage.
