Details of the curated programme for Frieze Seoul 2025 have just been announced. The fourth edition of the fair returns to COEX in the city’s Gangnam neighbourhood from 3 – 6 September, and, in keeping with previous editions, will feature an expansive programme of live art and performance, film, talks and artist projects alongside presentations from 120 galleries.
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, said: ‘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.’
Frieze LIVE
Frieze LIVE is the fair’s platform for live art and performance. This year, Frieze is partnering with Seoul’s Art Sonje Center to present ‘off-site 2: Eleven Episodes’, from 26 August to 26 October. The series spotlights the next generation of Korean artists, with a particular focus on female and genderqueer practitioners, including Yagwang, Younghae Chang, Jimin Hah, Sojin Kwak and Ru Kim. There will be site-specific performances throughout Frieze Week at the fair, Kukje Gallery K2, (TOGETHER)(TOGETHER) and Dosan Park. Onsite highlights include Yagwang’s Raw Proof: Echo, a durational procession through the fair.
Off-site performances include Yagwang’s Raw Proof at Dosan Park (3 September), Younghae Chang’s climb, fronthook, angel, invert, daphne, figure head, scorpion, fall, gemini, princess, chopstick at Kukje Gallery K2 (4 September), Ru Kim’s a fist is a fist is a fist – Ignition at Kukje Gallery K2 (5 September) and Jimin Hah’s Nico’s Crossword Play at (TOGETHER)(TOGETHER) (6 September).
Frieze Film
The 2025 edition of Frieze Film will be a collaboration with the 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale, with curated screenings and talks on the rooftop of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). The programme brings together international artists whose time-based works navigate occult, mystical and spiritual traditions. Co-curated by Anton Vidokle, Hallie Ayres and Lukas Brasiskis, participating artists include Amit b, Jane Jin Kaisen and Hsu Chia-Wei.
Frieze Talks in Association with Kiaf SEOUL and KAMS
This year’s Frieze Talks programme is presented in partnership with Kiaf SEOUL and KAMS, with a series of public conversations at COEX’s Studio 159. Themes include the role of foundations in supporting the arts, the intersections of queer Asian identity and digital memory, and the challenges faced by emerging galleries. Other highlights include sessions on the growing influence of Korean artists and the Korean art market, and the expanding possibilities of AI-driven creativity.
Speakers include Gabriel Ritter (director of the UCSB Art, Design & Architecture Museum and associate professor, department of the History of Art & Architecture), Zoe Butt (founder, in-tangible institute), Wonjun Choi (artist, ikkibawiKrrr), Gyeol Ko (artist, ikkibawiKrrr), Yoon Juli (curator, Ilmin Museum of Art), Jiseon Lee Isbara (president, School of the Art Institute of Chicago), Mami Kataoka (director, Mori Art Museum), Purat (Chang) Osathanugrah (chairman, Dib Bangkok), Jae Seok Kim (founder, xlarge gallery) and Sohl Lee (associate professor, modern and contemporary East Asian art at Stony Brook University, State University of New York).
Special Artist Projects
Frieze Seoul 2025 will also present several special projects that showcase its artist-centred approach the dynamism of Korea’s contemporary art scene. Highlights include a new project by artist duo Moon Kyungwon & Jeon Joonho, which will unfold across the duration of the fair, and a new site-specific installation by Liam Gillick, which consists of two elevated platforms with colourful Plexiglas and benches.
Frieze x Print Bakery Limited-Edition Ceramics
This debut project at the fair supports UNICEF with works by distinguished artists across limited-edition ceramic pieces and a selection of moon jars. A special event will take place to celebrate the project at Print Bakery’s Hannam Flagship Store during Hannam Night on 2 September.
Neighbourhood Nights
Every evening from 1 – 4 September, the Neighbourhood Nights series will activate a specific district in the city with special events, late openings and more.
Euljiro Night (Monday 1 September)
This new addition to Neighbourhood Nights highlights non-profit and artist-run spaces, including Studio Haegue Yang.
Hannam Night (Tuesday 2 September).
Galleries taking part include Lehmann Maupin, Esther Schipper, Gallery Baton, ThisWeekendRoom, Johyun Gallery, P21, BHAK, Cylinder, Duarete Sequeira and more.
Cheongdam Night (Wednesday 3 September)
Galleries taking part include Gladstone Gallery, White Cube, Perrotin, G Gallery, Gallery Planet, Lee Eugean Gallery, SONGEUN, Atelier Hermès and more.
Samcheong Night (Thursday 4 September)
Galleries taking part include Kukje Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, Hakgojae Gallery, PKM Gallery, Barakat Contemporary, Baik Art, gallerychosun, Arario Gallery, Wooson Gallery, Art Sonje Center, YÉOL, PODO Museum at Sunhyewon, Suwon Museum of Art, Jeonbuk Museum of Art and Ilmin Museum of Art.
Further Information
Tickets to Frieze Seoul 2025 are now available at frieze.com. Frieze membership offers benefits including multi-day entry, priority access, dedicated tours, and more.
The online Frieze Viewing Room will open a week before the fair, offering digital audiences a first look from afar.
To keep up to date on all the latest news from Frieze, sign up for the newsletter at frieze.com, and follow @friezeofficial on Instagram and Frieze Official on Facebook.
Main Image: Frieze LIVE at Frieze Seoul 2024. Photo by Lets Studio. Courtesy of Frieze and Lets Studio