What's Happening?
Frieze, a prominent art fair organizer, is opening a permanent exhibition space in Seoul, South Korea, coinciding with Frieze Seoul 2025. The new venue, Frieze Seoul House, is modeled after Frieze's No. 9 Cork Street in London, providing a platform for international galleries to stage selling shows. Located in Yaksu-dong, the space aims to connect galleries with Seoul's art market, offering a flexible and responsive model that includes exhibitions by architects, filmmakers, and fashion designers. The venue will also host educational programs and be available for hire by curators and foreign government entities for non-selling shows.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of Frieze Seoul House marks a significant expansion of Frieze's global presence and highlights Seoul's growing importance in the international art market. By providing a year-round platform for galleries, the venue facilitates cultural exchange and commercial opportunities, attracting galleries from the Asia Pacific region and beyond. This development underscores Seoul's appeal as a cultural hub and could boost the local economy by increasing art tourism and related business activities. It also reflects broader trends in the art world towards more flexible and accessible exhibition models.
What's Next?
Frieze is currently searching for a director to manage the new space, with plans to launch the inaugural exhibition focusing on themes of home and queerness. The venue will continue to develop its program, incorporating diverse artistic disciplines and educational initiatives. As Frieze Seoul House becomes operational, it is expected to attract a wide range of international galleries and cultural events, further solidifying Seoul's status as a key player in the global art scene.
