Seoul
Art Guide

Some of the best international contemporary art can be found displayed in galleries in Sogyeok-dong in Jongno-Gu, such as Kukje Gallery. The core exhibitions in the gallery's art space highlight the most promising Korean artists and established artists with contemporary art backgrounds. These include artists such as Anish Kapoor, Bill Viola, Chung Chang-Sup, Candida Höfer, Gimhongsok, and Haegue Yang.

From Kukje Gallery, walk along the main street flanking Gyeongbok Palace to visit Hakgojae Gallery, a leading Korean contemporary art gallery since its opening in Seoul in 1988.

Based in Samcheong-dong is PKM Gallery, established in 2001 by Park Kyung-Mee—Park Kyung-mee—the commissioner of the Korean Pavilion at the 49th Venice Biennale; and Barakat Contemporary, whose extensive programme has exhibited the work of Michael Rakowitz, Shezad Dawood, and El Anatsui, among others. PKM Gallery represents many influential and mid-career, more established artists from Korea, many of whom have an international reputation. Among these is the estate of Yun Hyong-keun, a key figure in the history of abstraction and Minimalist art in Korea, often referred to within the context of Dansaekwha.

Major art galleries can be found elsewhere in Jongno-Gu, including Arario Gallery, innovative in introducing Indian and Southeast Asian artists to Korea, and JARILAGER Gallery, which was founded by Sunhee Choi and Jari Lager.

Next door to the Arario Gallery is the Arario Museum, whose building was modelled after traditional building conventions. As it was built by such a respected architect, the building is being preserved and treated as a piece of art. Jongno-Gu is also home to the Gana Art Center, one of Korea's first major art galleries. It is noted for its focus on Korean and Asian contemporary art and its public art projects presented in three art spaces across the city.

Also spread across Seoul are contemporary art galleries, such as Whistle, P21, Mo J Gallery, Gallery SP, Gallery ERD, and C Y L I N D E R in Yongsan-gu, a district famous for its vibrant nightlife in Itaewon; SPACE SO near Hongdae, an arts hub in Mapo-gu.

ONE AND J. Gallery and SEOJUNG ART can be found in the famous Gangnam district. Both art spaces presents work by emerging Korean and foreign contemporary artists.

In more recent years, buoyed by the rise of a new generation of collectors in South Korea, accessibility to the broader Asia region, and the commitment by Frieze to host a Seoul art fair each year, international galleries have sought a presence in the city too. Lehmann Maupin, Perrotin, and Pace Gallery all have spaces in Seoul, as do Peres Projects, KÖNIG GALERIE, Thaddaeus Ropac and Gladstone Gallery.

Our exhibition profiles include press releases, installation images, and for gallery spaces, a selection of artworks being shown in Seoul. They also include access to profiles on exhibiting artists. With the aim to present only the best of contemporary art on Ocula, our Members are determined by a selection committee of respected and influential international gallerists.

Our team regularly covers shows and art news relevant to Seoul. Ocula has interviewed many of leading Korean artists, including Haegue Yang and other artists who regularly show in Seoul, like Do Ho Suh, Daniel Boyd, Ugo Rondinone, and Anish Kapoor. Our editorial team also covers exhibitions via insights and features.

Led by Ocula's founder Simon Fisher, Ocula Advisory assists new and established collectors in growing and managing their collections. Based in Mayfair, the advisory team has an intimate knowledge of Seoul contemporary art scene.

With 40+ years of combined experience and extensive relationships with galleries, auction houses, art dealers, and collectors, Ocula Advisory has exceptional knowledge of modern and contemporary art, as well as market trends.

Follow Advisory Picks, Perspectives, and Selections for must-see art in Seoul, and stay up-to-date with Seoul art market news.

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Frieze Seoul, helmed by Patrick Lee, hosts over 100 of the world's leading contemporary art galleries showing group and solo booths. Showcasing an eclectic array of modern and contemporary artistic expressions, Frieze Seoul is an important global art world event to gauge the current state of the contemporary art market. Frieze returns to the Korean capital with an expanded line-up for Frieze Film, an initiative supporting the city's non-profit spaces, and the excitement of Frieze Music.

Similarly, Kiaf SEOUL stands as a testament to the city's dedication to both local and international artistic prowess. As a magnet for art enthusiasts and collectors, Kiaf SEOUL seamlessly melds traditional Korean art with the most recent global trends. The fair's carefully curated exhibitions not only provide a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, but also celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage. As a hub for cultural exchange, facilitating connections between artists, galleries, and visitors, Kiaf SEOUL fosters a deeper understanding of the artistic narrative both within Korea and on a global scale.