The event aims to attract young collectors and will take place from Nov. 1 to 5 in Seoul's Seongsu-dong neighborhood

Furniture designer and woodworker Park Hong-gu's ″Abstract Ignition″ (2016) / Courtesy of Art Busan

Art Busan, a prominent art fair in South Korea based in the southeastern port city, is expanding its outreach by introducing Define: Seoul 2023. This event, designed to intersect fine art with design, is tailored to appeal to a growing demographic of young art collectors. Define: Seoul 2023 is scheduled to occur in Seoul's Seongsu-dong neighborhood from November 1 to 5.

Jeong Seok-ho, the managing director of Art Busan, emphasized the importance of exploring uncharted territory rather than simply adding to the existing plethora of art fairs in Korea. By merging art and design, including furniture, decor, and crafts, the event distinguishes itself in the market. The inaugural edition, themed "A Look within Matter," will be led by artistic director Teo Yang, founder of Teoyang Studio, and recognized as one of the world's top 100 designers by Architectural Digest in 2022. 

▲ An official poster for Define: Seoul 2023 / Courtesy of Art Busan
Define: Seoul 2023 will unfold across three studio venues—Layer 27, Layer 41, and Andy’s 636—deviating from the conventional model of single large convention center setups. This decentralized approach aims to extend the fair's influence beyond its physical space and highlight the surrounding Seongsu-dong neighborhood, known for its vibrant cultural scene and youthful ambiance.

The event is set to feature the participation of 25 galleries, studios, and design brands from both domestic and international spheres. The roster comprises notable names such as PKM Gallery, Kukje Gallery, Duson Gallery, Whitestone Gallery (Tokyo), Tang Contemporary Art (Beijing), Novalis Art Design (Hong Kong), Giopato & Coombes (Italian-British design duo), and Galerie Philia (global design and art gallery). Additionally, Define: Seoul will present a thematic exhibition curated by Teo Yang, showcasing the woodworks of Korean artisans Park Hong-gu and Na Jeom-soo.

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