Frieze Seoul, KIAF open with 308 galleries

Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul opened at COEX in southern Seoul on Wednesday, bringing 308 galleries into the city’s biggest week of art-market trading and museum programming. Frieze said its fifth Seoul edition features 133 galleries from 30 countries and regions, while Yonhap and The Korea Times reported Kiaf has 175 galleries from 18 countries. The two fairs are again running side by side at COEX, but organizers have said 2026 will be the last year they share the same building before Frieze relocates next year. ### How big is this year’s combined fair? The 308-gallery total is the headline number because it shows the scale of the joint event at COEX. The Korea Times reported 133 exhibitors for Frieze Seoul and 175 for Kiaf Seoul, while Yonhap said Frieze is in its fifth edition and Kiaf is marking its 25th anniversary this year. (koreatimes.co.kr) Frieze said more than 70% of its participating galleries are based in the Asia-Pacific region and more than 50 exhibitors operate permanent spaces in Seoul. That mix keeps the fair anchored in the Korean market while still drawing international names such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, David Zwirner, Pace, White Cube and Thaddaeus Ropac. ### What sold on the opening day? (koreatimes.co.kr) Asiae reported some of the first concrete sales from Wednesday’s opening, including a Nicolae Ghenie work for 1.74 billion won and an Antony Gormley work for 1.38 billion won. The same report said 10 Keith Haring works sold for a combined $2.5 million on the first day. Seoul Economic Daily separately reported strong early traffic at blue-chip booths, including Gagosian’s Damien Hirst presentation, where red sold stickers were visible and a gallery official said the first-day mood was “better than we expected.” That report also said a Fernando Botero work was listed at $1.9 million, one of the highest posted prices at the fair. (frieze.com) (asiae.co.kr) ### What is new inside Frieze this year? Frieze introduced Spotlight in Seoul for the first time in 2026. Frieze described the section as a series of 12 solo presentations devoted to underrepresented 20th-century artists, curated by Wonseok Koh, director of Line Cultural Foundation. Yonhap said Frieze also added Material Practices, focused on the boundary between art and design, alongside its Focus section for next-generation galleries. (en.sedaily.com) Frieze’s own preview said the 2026 edition was built around new curated sections and an expanded program tied to Frieze Week across Seoul. ### Why is 2026 the last year under one roof? The Korea Times reported this is the final time Frieze Seoul and Kiaf will be held in the same COEX building. (frieze.com) The paper said Frieze will move to Dongdaemun Design Plaza next year while Kiaf remains at COEX during renovation work at the convention center, though the fairs have extended their partnership through 2031. (en.yna.co.kr) Korea JoongAng Daily reported the schedule split had already been built into this year’s planning, with both events opening on Sept. 2, Frieze running through Sept. 5 and Kiaf through Sept. 6. That means 2026 serves as both an anniversary year and a transition year for the partnership that began in 2022. (koreatimes.co.kr) ### What else is happening around the fairs this week? Yonhap reported that Kiaf’s side programming includes Kiaf Plus for emerging galleries, Kiaf Highlights, a documentary program called Kiaf Portrait, and a Thursday classical performance by pianist Cho Seong-jin. Frieze said its broader week includes Neighbourhood Nights, late gallery openings and citywide programming across districts including Euljiro, Hannam, Cheongdam and Samcheong. (koreajoongangdaily.com) The next dated milestones are already set. Frieze Seoul runs at COEX through Sept. 5, Kiaf remains open through Sept. 6, and Frieze is scheduled to move to Dongdaemun Design Plaza for its 2027 edition. (en.yna.co.kr)