Get Ready, Art Lovers: Must-see Exhibitions in September

This September, Seoul is set to take center stage as a premier destination for art enthusiasts, hosting two major art fairs: Kiaf Seoul 2024 and Frieze Seoul 2024. Both events will kick off on September 4th at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, with Kiaf running through September 8th and Frieze concluding on September 7th. These prestigious fairs position Seoul to further cement its status as a key player in the global art scene.

Kiaf Seoul 2024

Founded in 2002 by the Galleries Association of Korea, Kiaf Seoul is the country’s largest art market, serving as a dynamic platform for diverse art transactions. This year, the fair will host 206 galleries, including 132 from South Korea and over a third from abroad, highlighting its growing international appeal and bridging art enthusiasts with the global art community.

Exhibition Sections:

• The Gallery Section will feature 165 galleries showcasing a wide range of works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and digital media. Notable participants include Kukje Gallery (presenting works by Kim Yoon-shin), LEEAHN Gallery (highlighting Kim Taksang), Hakgojae (introducing emerging artists Ji Geun-uk and Park Kwang-soo), and Choi&Lager Gallery (showcasing An Ji-san). Additionally, Madrid’s Albarán Bourdais Gallery will display pieces by the Danish artist group Superflex.
• The Solo Section will include 14 galleries, each presenting a dedicated solo exhibition by a selected artist.
• The Plus Section focuses on newer galleries operating for less than 10 years, with an emphasis on works by emerging artists. For instance, Raheen Gallery will feature Kim Jung-in’s oil paintings, which explore the ambiguity of memories.

• Special Programs:
  • The Kiaf Onsite special exhibition will feature groundbreaking works by seven artist teams from around the globe.
  • Meanwhile, the Kiaf Highlight Award will celebrate notable emerging artists, with three finalists each receiving a creative grant of 10 million KRW.
• Enhanced VIP Services: Kiaf Seoul has enhanced its VIP services this year, introducing a dedicated mobile app, private tours of artist studios, and exclusive access to local museums like the Guhauhaus and the Amorepacific Museum of Art.

Frieze Seoul 2024

Frieze Seoul, a relative newcomer to the Asian art scene, debuted in 2022 as an extension of the renowned Frieze Art Fair, which originated in London in 2003. Over the years, Frieze has established itself as a major force in the global art market, standing alongside Art Basel. This year, Frieze Seoul will showcase over 110 galleries—slightly fewer than last year—while continuing to feature some of the world’s most prominent galleries.

• Key Exhibitors:
  • Internationally acclaimed galleries, including Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, David Zwirner, Lehmann Maupin, Lisson, Pace, and Thaddaeus Ropac, will participate, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Derrick Adams, Maurizio Cattelan, and Nam June Paik.
  • Meanwhile, prominent Korean galleries like Kukje Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, and Arario Gallery will stand shoulder to shoulder with these global powerhouses, presenting works by celebrated Korean artists such as Ha Chong-hyun, Kwon Young-woo, and Park Seo-bo.
• Frieze Masters Section: This section will spotlight Asian galleries, featuring masterpieces ranging from antiquity to 20th-century works. Woo Song Gallery will host a solo exhibition by female artist Lee Myeong-mi, while Hakgojae will showcase works by seven prominent Korean artists, including Byun Wol-ryong, Jung Chang-seop, Kim Whanki, Lee Jun, Nam June Paik, Park Young-ha, and Ryu Kyung-chae.
• Collaboration with LG OLED: As the official headline partner, LG OLED will present a special project at the LG Lounge. This project features artists Suh Do-ho and Suh Eul-ho, who honor their late father, renowned artist Suh Se-ok, through advanced digital canvases that vividly bring their artistic heritage to life.

Ongoing Collaboration and Future Plans

Kiaf and Frieze have expressed interest in extending their simultaneous hosting arrangement beyond their current five-year contract, set to conclude in 2027. Additionally, Kiaf has announced plans to expand internationally by participating in the Frieze-run Chicago Expo in the United States next April, highlighting the continued growth and global reach of these prestigious art fairs.

Additional Programs and Events

Beyond the main venues, Seoul will come alive with various art programs throughout the city. In the gallery districts of Samcheong-dong, Hannam-dong, and Cheongdam-dong, ‘Gallery Night’ events will extend gallery hours late into the evening, offering visitors a chance to experience Seoul’s vibrant art scene under the city lights. Key institutions such as the Leeum Museum of Art, Art Sonje Center, and SongEun Art Space will also take part in the festivities. Additionally, a Kiaf satellite exhibition at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1 will run until September 22nd, showcasing 70 works from 10 different galleries.

From September 5th to 7th, COEX will host a series of public talks featuring prominent figures from the global and local art scenes, including Clara Kim, Chief Curator of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, and Binna Choi, Curator of the 2025 Hawaii Triennale. These sessions are open to all, even those without art fair tickets.