Two of South Korea's most prominent art fairs, Frieze Seoul 2025 and Kiaf Seoul 2025, officially opened their doors this week at the Coex convention center in southern Seoul, drawing international attention despite the backdrop of ongoing political and economic uncertainties facing the country. The simultaneous launch of these major cultural events highlights the resilience of Korea's art market and its continued commitment to establishing Seoul as a key player in the global art scene.
The VIP preview of Frieze Seoul 2025 took place on Wednesday, attracting high-profile attendees including First Lady Kim Hea Kyung, who was photographed examining artworks while receiving detailed explanations from Lee Hyun-sook, chairperson of the prestigious Kukje Gallery. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significant cultural importance these events hold for South Korea's international reputation in the arts.
Despite the fanfare surrounding the openings, both art fairs are operating under what industry insiders describe as a "shadow of uncertainty." This uncertainty stems from various factors affecting the Korean art market, including global economic fluctuations, changing collector behaviors in the post-pandemic era, and ongoing geopolitical tensions that have impacted international cultural exchanges and art sales.
The timing of these events comes at a particularly challenging moment for the art world, as galleries and collectors navigate shifting market dynamics and evolving preferences among international buyers. Nevertheless, organizers remain optimistic about the fairs' potential to showcase Korean and international contemporary art to a diverse audience of collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
