Frieze Seoul returned to the Korean capital’s Gangnam district from 3 to 6 September for its fourth edition, once again coinciding with Korea’s flagship international art fair Kiaf Seoul (3–7 September 2025).
120 galleries from 30 countries—including over 20 first-time participants—gathered at the COEX convention centre. The lineup included local stalwarts Arario, Gallery Baton, G Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, and Kukje, along with the younger guard like P21 and Cylinder and a healthy spread of international heavyweights like David Zwirner, Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin, Pace, Perrotin, Thaddaeus Ropac, and White Cube.
Despite an economic climate catering to the familiar and robust, the fair was no less filled with surprises.
Stationed in prime position by the entrance was the disruptive sound and video installation Calming Signal (2025) by Im Youngzoo, winner of this year’s Frieze Artist Award, while as part of the Frieze Live programme, artist duo Yagwang’s performance Raw Proof: Echo (2025) forged a path through the maze of booths on Thursday afternoon following its debut at Dosan Park the night before. It was an austere, choreographed procession of performers in fleshy, alien-like masks and appendages and props such as bells, latex sheets, and wheeled screens, momentarily invigorating the afternoon with spoken word, wrestling motions, and ritualised actions through the halls of COEX.
Asian galleries took centrestage in the fair’s Focus Asia section, with Tokyo gallery Take Ninagawa taking home the Frieze Stand Prize for their group presentation of Japanese women artists, and emerging Yogyakarta project space Kohesi Initiatives winning the Focus Asia Stand Prize for their solo booth of Indonesian artist Timoteus Anggawan Kusno.
Explore more of the highlights from the ground in Seoul. —[O]
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services