In the first week of September, Seoul transforms into one vast exhibition hall. Frieze Seoul and Kiaf open side by side at COEX for the last time this year, while galleries and museums across Hannam, Samcheong, Cheongdam and Euljiro throw open their doors in unison. This marks the final year the two fairs will occupy the same venue simultaneously.
Four days barely suffice to cover the density of shows inside and outside the fair grounds. Add the neighborhood nights that migrate across districts each evening, and the schedule tightens further. A forest woven from 7,000 bamboo stalks, houses stitched from translucent fabric, a basement theater converted into a photo gallery—works worth your time await beyond the fair perimeter.
Nine exhibitions earned PAP's recommendation: Tanabe Chikuunsai IV's bamboo installation, Ed Atkins' video work, Koo Jeong A's new pieces among them. Frieze House Seoul, Gladstone Seoul, Leeum Museum and others speak in different languages from different corners of the city. Some close September 19, others hold through late October.
Which exhibition will top your itinerary? Whether you linger longer inside the fair or beyond it is yours to decide.
Four days barely suffice to cover the density of shows inside and outside the fair grounds. Add the neighborhood nights that migrate across districts each evening, and the schedule tightens further. A forest woven from 7,000 bamboo stalks, houses stitched from translucent fabric, a basement theater converted into a photo gallery—works worth your time await beyond the fair perimeter.
Nine exhibitions earned PAP's recommendation: Tanabe Chikuunsai IV's bamboo installation, Ed Atkins' video work, Koo Jeong A's new pieces among them. Frieze House Seoul, Gladstone Seoul, Leeum Museum and others speak in different languages from different corners of the city. Some close September 19, others hold through late October.
Which exhibition will top your itinerary? Whether you linger longer inside the fair or beyond it is yours to decide.
FAQ
When is Seoul Art Week 2026?
The first week of September 2026. Frieze Seoul and KIAF will be held simultaneously at COEX, while galleries and museums in Hannam, Samcheong, Cheongdam, and Euljiro open their doors. This is the final year both fairs share COEX.
What are the must-see exhibitions during Frieze Seoul?
PAP recommends nine exhibitions, including Chikuunsai IV Tanabe's bamboo installation, Ed Atkins' video work, and Koo Jeong A's new pieces. They're viewable at Frieze House Seoul, Gladstone Seoul, Leeum Museum of Art, and more.
What is Seoul Art Week Neighborhood Night?
A roving program that moves neighborhoods each evening. Galleries across Hannam, Samcheong, Cheongdam, and Euljiro stay open late to welcome visitors. It's a core Art Week event that connects exhibitions beyond the fair grounds.
