Seoul: South Korea's two biggest art fairs, Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul, are set to open in the capital, bringing together over a hundred galleries from around the world for a week of art events. The fairs will commence after a day of VIP previews, with official events running from Thursday to Saturday at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul. Kiaf will extend its run until Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks the fifth edition of Frieze Seoul, featuring 133 galleries from 30 countries and regions. International galleries such as Gagosian, Hauser and Wirth, David Zwirner, Pace, White Cube, Lehmann Maupin, and Thaddaeus Ropac will participate alongside leading Korean galleries like Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Gana Art, Hakgojae Gallery, and Johyun Gallery. The fair will showcase works by Korean and international artists, including Damien Hirst, Yoo Young-kuk, Park Seo-bo, Kim Tschang-yeul, Paik Nam-june, Do Ho Suh, and Lee Kang-so.
This year's Frieze Seoul introduces three curated sections: Spotlight, which reconsiders 20th-century artists who have received relatively little attention in art history; Material Practices, exploring materiality at the boundary of art and design; and the Focus section, highlighting next-generation galleries.
Kiaf Seoul, organized by the Galleries Association of Korea, will feature 175 galleries from 18 countries, including 127 Korean exhibitors. The fair's satellite program, Kiaf Plus, is dedicated to emerging galleries and artists, while Kiaf Highlights supports artists selected by participating galleries. Kiaf will also screen Kiaf Portrait, a documentary program examining the artistic worlds of Park Seo-bo and Kim Tschang-yeul.
Under the theme "Coexistence," Kiaf will present a special exhibition, "Humal," and its augmented-reality extension, "Virtual Vital," curated by Kiaf creative director Jung Ku-ho. These exhibitions will explore the relationship between humans and animals, as well as between humans and technology.
The events are expected to extend beyond the COEX venue through "Frieze Week," with gallery programs and media-art projects taking place across Seoul. Kiaf will host a classical music performance featuring internationally acclaimed South Korean pianist Cho Seong-jin on Thursday. "Neighborhood Night" programs will also occur in various gallery districts, connecting local and international visitors with galleries, artists, and cultural industry figures.
Kiaf and Frieze began their five-year collaboration in 2022 when Frieze launched its first Asian fair in Seoul, marking its fourth global location after London, New York, and Los Angeles.