Kiaf Welcomes 175 Galleries
Smaller in Scale, Stronger in Substance
Park Seobo, Kim Tschangyeul, Ugo Rondinone
Showcasing Renowned Artists and Works from Korea and Abroad
Frieze Features Over 120 Galleries
“Big Five” Including Gagosian Join the Fair
Nighttime Events in Hannam, Cheongdam, and Samcheong
Frieze Seoul, the largest art fair in South Korea, and Kiaf Seoul both opened on September 3 at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. As the largest event in the art world, bringing together major galleries, artists, and artworks from around the globe, there is significant interest in how it will impact the deep stagnation currently casting a shadow over the domestic art scene.
Kiaf Marks Its 24th Edition, Featuring 175 Galleries from Over 20 Countries
The view of Frieze Seoul 2025, which opened on the 3rd at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Photo by Seo Mideum
The 24th edition of Kiaf, organized by the Korea Gallery Association, features 175 galleries from more than 20 countries this year. This is a significant decrease from last year’s 206 galleries. The association explained that this was a calculated measure to strengthen the fair’s substance. Rather than increasing the number of galleries for the sake of appearances, they chose to raise the entry barrier and focus on quality. One-third of the participating galleries are major international galleries from countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Taiwan, the United States, Thailand, and Spain. With fewer galleries, the use of space has noticeably improved. Unlike previous years, when visitors complained about a lack of rest areas, this year’s event features seating throughout the venue, and many visitors could be seen taking breaks.
The booths are filled with works by leading Korean artists such as Park Seobo and Kim Tschangyeul, as well as internationally renowned artists like Fernando Botero and Ugo Rondinone. Korean gallery Gana Art is showcasing installations by Shiota Chiharu, known for her unique thread installations. Kukje Gallery is exhibiting works by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.
Samtoh Gallery is presenting the “Ecriture” series by Park Seobo, a master of Dansaekhwa. Pyo Gallery is featuring works by Kim Tschangyeul, well-known as the “water drop painter.” Johyun Gallery is introducing the early works of Kim Taeksang, a leading figure in Korean abstract art.
Among international galleries, Art of the World Gallery from the United States is presenting works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Sundaram Tagore Gallery is exhibiting works by Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju.
Germany’s Di Gallery is showcasing representative pieces by French surrealist Andr? Masson and paintings by Renaissance master Palma il Vecchio.
Other highlights include “Kiaf Plus,” which spotlights emerging artists and galleries; “Kiaf Highlight,” featuring ten promising artists; and the special exhibition “Reverse Cabinet,” jointly curated by Korean and Japanese curators to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, all of which drew significant attention from visitors.
Frieze Celebrates Its 4th Edition, Major International Galleries Participate
This year marks the fourth edition of Frieze, which features more than 120 galleries from both Korea and abroad. This is a slight increase from last year’s 110 galleries. Leading global galleries, often referred to as the “Big Five”-Gagosian, Pace, David Zwirner, White Cube, and Hauser & Wirth-are all present, along with other top-tier galleries such as Gladstone, Lehmann Maupin, and Thaddaeus Ropac. Among Korean galleries, Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Gana Art, and Hakgojae are participating with their own booths.
Gagosian Gallery is presenting works by Japanese pop art master Takashi Murakami. Gladstone Gallery is showcasing works by Yayoi Kusama, Ugo Rondinone, Anicka Yi, Philippe Parreno, and Robert Rauschenberg. In addition, works by renowned international artists such as Louise Bourgeois, George Condo, Hernan Bas, Takashi Murakami, and Adolph Gottlieb are on display for visitors.
Among Korean artists, Kukje Gallery is highlighting the works of Dansaekhwa masters Park Seobo and Ha Chonghyun, as well as Kim Yunshin, Ham Kyungah, Yang Haegue, Jang Pa, and diaspora artists such as Gala Porras-Kim. Gallery Hyundai is featuring Jung Sanghwa, John Pai, and Kim Bohie. Leeahn Gallery is showcasing works by Lee Kwangho, Nam Chunmo, and Anna Park, representing multiple generations, as well as major pieces by pioneers of Korean avant-garde art such as Lee Kunyong and Lee Kangso.
Kiaf and Frieze both opened with VIP previews on September 3, and general admission begins on September 4. Kiaf will welcome visitors until September 7, while Frieze runs through September 6.
During this period, various side events will take place throughout Seoul. Hannam-dong (September 2), Cheongdam-dong (September 3), and Samcheong-dong (September 4) will remain open late, hosting exhibitions, performances, parties, and more.
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