Frieze Seoul will move to the DDP in 2027 due to the renovation of Coex
The Frieze Seoul art fair will move from the Coex Exhibition Center in Seoul to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in 2027. The move is due to renovations at Coex, where Frieze Seoul has been held alongside the Kiaf Seoul fair since 2022, according to the Korea Herald.
Before the move, the fairs will be held at COEX one last time, opening on September 2, 2026. Frieze Seoul, now in its fifth edition, will run through September 5 and bring together over 130 galleries from more than 30 countries and regions. Kiaf Seoul, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, will run through September 6; 175 galleries from 18 countries will participate. In total, the events will bring together more than 300 galleries.
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, stated that organizers were informed earlier this year about upcoming construction work at COEX, after which he began looking for an alternative venue. According to him, the key factors in choosing the DDP were the ability to remain in Seoul, its proximity to KIAF, and the existing infrastructure. The parties plan to continue their partnership, including maintaining joint tickets.
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This year, Frieze Seoul will feature two new curated sections. “Spotlight” will showcase solo projects by 15 20th-century artists from Korea and other countries who have been overlooked by Western-centric art history. The Material Practice section will be dedicated to works in ceramics, textiles, glass, metal, wood, and hanji—traditional Korean paper. The Focus platform, for galleries less than 12 years old, will expand beyond Asia for the first time and bring together 16 participants with solo presentations.
This year, Kiaf Seoul has invited its first creative director—designer Jeon Koo-ho. He will be responsible for branding, spatial design, and special exhibitions united under the theme “Coexistence.” The program will also feature a concert by pianist Cho Seon-jin on September 4 at COEX and a media art exhibition across eight venues in downtown Seoul.
