Seoul is preparing to take the global spotlight as Frieze Seoul 2025 opens its doors this September at COEX. The fair brings together more than 120 leading galleries from Asia and beyond. It promises to be a landmark event. This event will fuse international contemporary art with the unique cultural pulse of Korea.
Timed alongside Seoul Art Week, Frieze Seoul has rapidly become one of the most important cultural gatherings in Asia since its debut in 2022. Now entering its fourth edition, the 2025 fair not only celebrates cutting-edge creativity but also underscores Seoul’s rise as a global art capital.
Key Highlights of Frieze Seoul 2025
The fourth edition of the fair takes place at COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam district from September 3 to 6, bringing together 120 galleries alongside a dynamic program of live art, performances, film, talks, and special artist projects.
Frieze Seoul will occupy Halls C & D. Menwhile, Kiaf SEOUL, Korea’s leading art fair, will run simultaneously in Halls A & B — creating a powerful joint platform for collectors, curators, and art lovers.
“This year’s programme speaks to the extraordinary depth and breadth of Korea’s contemporary art landscape. From intimate performances to ambitious filmic narratives and critical debate, it offers a compelling snapshot of artistic practice across the Asian region and beyond.”
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul.
Global Galleries & Sections
Over 100 galleries joined Frieze Seoul 2025. Leading names, such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and Lehmann Maupin, return. Additionally, other major Asian galleries such as Kukje Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, and Taka Ishii also joined.
Special Programs & Collaborations
Frieze Talks
This year, the Frieze Talks program, presented in collaboration with Kiaf SEOUL and KAMS, will unfold through a series of public conversations at COEX’s Studio 159. The sessions will address urgent themes, such as the role of foundations in supporting the arts and the connections between queer Asian identity and digital memory. They will also focus on the challenges faced by emerging galleries. Additional discussions will spotlight the rising influence of Korean artists and the art market, as well as the creative possibilities of AI.
The speaker lineup features leading voices from across the art world, including Gabriel Ritter (UCSB Art, Design & Architecture Museum), Zoe Butt (in-tangible institute), artist CHE Onejoon (AfroAsia Collective), Gyeol Ko (ikkibawiKrrr), Yoon Juli (Ilmin Museum of Art), Jiseon Lee Isbara (School of the Art Institute of Chicago), Mami Kataoka (Mori Art Museum), Purat (Chang) Osathanugrah (Dib Bangkok), Jae Seok Kim (Xlarge gallery), and Sohl Lee (Stony Brook University).
Frieze LIVE
Frieze LIVE returns as the fair’s stage for live art and performance. This year, it partners with Seoul’s Art Sonje Center to present off-site 2: Eleven Episodes (August 26–October 26), spotlighting the next generation of Korean artists—especially female and genderqueer voices such as Yagwang, Younghae Chang, Jimin Hah, Sojin Kwak, and Ru Kim.
During Frieze Week, audiences can experience site-specific performances both at the fair and across Seoul, including Kukje Gallery K2, (TOGETHER)(TOGETHER), and Dosan Park. Highlights include:
- Yagwang’s Raw Proof: Echo, a durational procession at the fair.
- Yagwang’s Raw Proof at Dosan Park (September 3).
- Younghae Chang’s performance at Kukje Gallery K2 (September 4).
- Ru Kim’s a fist is a fist is a fist – Ignition at Kukje Gallery K2 (September 5).
- Jimin Hah’s Nico’s Crossword Play at (TOGETHER)(TOGETHER) (September 6).
Frieze Film
The 2025 edition of Frieze Film teams up with the 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale to present curated screenings and talks on the rooftop of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). The program features international artists exploring occult, mystical, and spiritual traditions through time-based works. Co-curated by Anton Vidokle, Hallie Ayres, and Lukas Brasiskis, the exhibition will feature contributions from artists such as Amit Dutta, Jane Jin Kaisen, and Hsu Chia-Wei.
There are other programs and projects. For more details, visit the Frieze Seoul 2025 official program announcement.
Cultural Context
Beyond COEX, the fair will spill out into Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods — from Hannam-dong’s trendsetting galleries to Euljiro’s underground creative spaces — making the city itself part of the cultural experience.
Why It Matters
Frieze Seoul 2025 is a must-visit art fair. Beyond that, it is a cultural bridge between Korea and the world. For collectors, it’s an opportunity to discover rare works and emerging talents. For artists, it’s a platform to share their vision with a global audience. And for fans of Korean culture, it’s proof that Seoul is not just the hub of K-pop and cinema, but also a thriving epicenter of contemporary art.
For more visitors information, visit Frieze’s official website. And, stay tuned to KPOPPOST for exclusive previews, on-site coverage, and artist interviews from Frieze Seoul 2025.
Mark your calendars: September 3–6, 2025, COEX, Seoul — where the art world meets the heart of Korea.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates.
