Seoul's Artistic Ascent: Unveiling the 2025 Frieze Experience
A Glimpse into the Fair's Grandeur: Frieze Seoul 2025
The 2025 iteration of Frieze Seoul, currently captivating audiences at COEX in Gangnam until September 6, offers an expansive look at the cutting edge of contemporary art, both within the region and internationally. More than 120 galleries are participating, featuring a dynamic array of contributions from established institutions and innovative emerging artists alike. The fair's influence extends beyond the primary exhibition halls, permeating various cultural enclaves across the Korean capital, from the creative heart of Euljiro to the picturesque Yongsan riverwalk and the historic district of Samcheong-dong.
Inside the Main Exhibition: Curated Collaborations and Pop Culture Highlights
This year's fair introduces a significant number of first-time exhibitors, fostering an exciting dialogue between new talents and celebrated figures in the art world. A notable presentation is the collaborative booth (A33) by Seoul's P21 and Shanghai's Gallery Vacancy. This partnership offers a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of artistic forms and themes, featuring a diverse roster of international artists including Haneyl Choi, Shin Min, Minjeong An, Yaerim Ryu, Xiyadie, Zhang Yingnan, Keem Jiyoung, Taewon Ahn, Hannah Jo, and Sofia Mitsola. Furthermore, NANZUKA UNDERGROUND (C12) curates an impressive display with over 20 prominent names, such as Hajime Sorayama, Stickymonger, FriendsWithYou, Hebru Brantley, and MSCHF, underscoring its distinctive inclination towards pop culture-infused art.
Beyond the Fairgrounds: Engaging Satellite Exhibitions
For those seeking artistic experiences outside the bustling main fair, a series of captivating satellite shows await. At White Cube, Antony Gormley presents Inextricable, his inaugural solo exhibition in Seoul, showcasing pieces from his ongoing series. Meanwhile, Jason Haam expands its presence with a newly inaugurated Seongbuk gallery, featuring Nude, Flesh and Love. This multi-medium group exhibition provides a profound contemplation on themes of beauty, connection, and desire. Frieze also marks the opening of its permanent art house, Frieze House Seoul, in Yaksu-dong. This new venue hosts UnHouse, an exhibition curated by Jae Seok Kim, which explores queer perspectives on domesticity and identity. In a unique fusion of fashion and art, Maison Margiela's Hannam flagship celebrates the debut of "Line 2" with an immersive, collaborative installation by visual artist Chung Heemin and sound artist Joyul.
Institutional Depth: Must-See Museum Presentations
Seoul's major museums are also integral to the Frieze experience, offering compelling exhibitions that complement the fair. At the Art Sonje Center, Adrián Villar Rojas transforms the museum's architecture into a canvas with The Language of the Enemy, a singular sculptural intervention that deconstructs and reassembles the space. The Leeum Museum of Art is currently hosting a monumental retrospective of pioneering artist Lee Bul, titled From 1998 to Now. This extensive showcase features 150 works, tracing her decades-long artistic journey exploring the fluid boundaries between the physical body and technology, nature and urbanity, and desire versus control. Concurrently with Frieze and Kiaf, the 13th edition of the Seoul Mediacity Biennale at the Seoul Museum of Art delves into the intricate connections between technology and spirituality through a curated film screening series presented for Frieze Film.