Frieze Seoul 2026 Returns with Expanded Programme, New Sections, and Over 125 Galleries
The Facts
Frieze announced details of the fifth edition of Frieze Seoul, scheduled for September 2–5, 2026, at COEX in Gangnam. The fair will feature over 125 galleries from 30 countries, with more than 70% based in the Asia-Pacific region and over 50 exhibitors with permanent spaces in Seoul. New sections include Focus (16 emerging galleries), Material Practice (art and design intersection), and Spotlight (underrepresented 20th-century artists). The programme also includes Frieze LIVE, the Frieze Seoul Artist Award, Frieze Film, Frieze Music, and a talks series. Neighbourhood Nights will offer late-night gallery openings across Seoul districts. Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, and Kristell Chadé, executive director of fairs, commented on the fair's role in connecting global art to Asia.
The Signal
The 2026 edition underscores Seoul's emergence as a central hub for contemporary art in Asia, with a strong representation of Korean and Asia-Pacific galleries. The new Material Practice section reflects a growing collector interest in design-led and craft-based works, while Spotlight addresses historical gaps. For collectors, the fair offers a concentrated view of the region's market dynamics, with over 70% of exhibitors from Asia-Pacific signaling the fair's deep regional roots. The continued participation of top international galleries alongside local leaders like Kukje and Gallery Hyundai reinforces Seoul's position as a key destination for art-world professionals.
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- People: Patrick Lee, Kristell Chadé, Hyeyoung Cho
- Galleries: Canada, Commonwealth and Council, Gagosian, Galerie Lelong, Gladstone, Hauser & Wirth, Tina Kim Gallery, Lehmann Maupin, Lisson, Mazzoleni, Mennour, Meyer Riegger Wolff, Pace Gallery, Sprüth Magers, Thaddaeus Ropac, Esther Schipper, White Cube, David Zwirner, Axel Vervoordt Gallery, David Kordansky Gallery, Mendes Wood DM, Asia Art Center, Drawing Room, Liang Gallery, STPI, Arario Gallery, Gallery Baton, Gallery Hyundai, Gana Art, Hakgojae Gallery, Jason Haam, Johyun Gallery, Kukje Gallery, Leeahn Gallery, P21, PKM Gallery, Anomaly, Maho Kubota, Nanzuka, SCAI The Bathhouse, Taka Ishii Gallery, Take Ninagawa, Taro Nasu, Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, Tomio Koyama, Gajah Gallery, Galerie Kandlhofer, Hafez Gallery, Maki Gallery, Parra & Romero, Theo, What If the World, Arumjigi Foundation
- Locations: Seoul
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