The Hypeart Guide to Frieze Seoul 2025

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Summary

  • The 2025 edition of Frieze Seoul welcomes over 120 presenting galleries with a joint booth by P21 and Gallery Vacancy, as well as NANZUKA UNDERGROUND’s star-studded presentation featured on the fairgrounds
  • Standout satellite shows include Antony Gormley’s Inextricable at White Cube, the Nude, Flesh and Love group show at Jason Haam, the inaugural exhibition at Frieze House Seoul and the debut installation for Maison Margiela’s “Line 2” project
  • Lee Bul’s monumental retrospective at Leeum Museum of Art, Adrián Villar Rojas’ The Language of the Enemy at Art Sonje Center and the 13th edition of Seoul Mediacity Biennale are among the museum highlights

Frieze Seoul returns with a vengeance for its fourth run, taking place from September 6 to COEX in Gangnam. The 2025 event promises an insightful look into the future and who’s making waves in contemporary art, not only in the region but also worldwide. Major institutions and emerging talents contribute significantly to this year’s fair.

Boasting more than 120 galleries participating, ranging from established heavyweights to experimental spaces, this year’s influence expands beyond K-POP Square, painting vibrant swathes across the Korean capital. From the artist haven of Euljiro, to the picturesque Yongsan riverwalk and the historic streets of Samcheong-dong, the event leaves no stone unturned in showcasing the best of contemporary art.

In the 2025 edition, the unveiling of Frieze’s permanent art space, the glamorous booth by NANZUKA, and Lee Bul’s powerful retrospective at Leeum Museum of Art, all indicate that Seoul is strengthening its position on a global level. Ranging from thrilling events at the fair to significant exhibitions in institutions, here’s our summary of standout moments from Frieze Seoul 2025.

 

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At the Fair

Courtesy of P21 and Gallery Vacancy.

At this fair, approximately two dozen newcomers make their debut alongside established talent, creating a vibrant mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned artists. Notable exhibits include booth (A33), a joint effort by P21 from Seoul and Gallery Vacancy from Shanghai, featuring an international array of artists such as Haneyl Choi, Shin Min, Minjeong An, Yaerim Ryu, Xiyadie, Zhang Yingnan, Keem Jiyoung, Taewon Ahn, Hannah Jo, and Sofia Mitsola. Meanwhile, NANZUKA UNDERGROUND (C12) gathers more than 20 cult figures like Hajime Sorayama, Stickymonger, FriendsWithYou, Hebru Brantley, and MSCHF to present a diverse display reflecting its affinity for pop culture.

Satellite Shows

Courtesy of the artist and Jason Haam.

If you’re up for a two-hour hike to Antony Gormley’s Museum SAN exhibit and feel like taking on a challenge, know that he also has his first solo show in Seoul titled “Inextricable” at White Cube. This exhibit features pieces from various ongoing series. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Gangnam, consider visiting Jason Haam’s newly expanded Seongbuk gallery where he presents “Nude, Flesh and Love“, a multimedia group exhibition delving into themes of beauty, attachment, and desire.

In the district of Yaksu-dong, Frieze introduces Frieze House Seoul, its permanent exhibition space, which is being unveiled with the show “UnHouse” curated by Jae Seok Kim. This exhibition explores queer viewpoints on home and identity. Simultaneously, art and fashion enthusiasts gather at Maison Margiela’s Hannam flagship for the launch of “Line 2,” featuring a collaborative, immersive installation by visual artist Chung Heemin and sound artist Joyul.

Museum Presentations

Courtesy of the artist and Art Sonje Center.

Adrián Villar Rojas utilizes Art Sonje Center’s architecture as his canvas for the exhibit, The Language of the Enemy. He dismantles and rebuilds parts of it into a unique sculptural intervention. At Leeum Museum of Art, Lee Bul is the main attraction in the extensive exhibition, From 1998 to Now, which follows her long-term investigations into the blurred boundaries between the body and machinery, nature and urbanization, desires and limitations. Simultaneously with Frieze and Kiaf, the ongoing Seoul Mediacity Biennale at Seoul Museum of Art features a curated film series that explores the connections between technology and spirituality in the Frieze Film program.

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2025-09-03 21:26