Frieze Seoul to move to new venue from 2027

Frieze Seoul will relocate to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) for its 2027 event. The decision comes as the fair's present location, COEX, undergoes redevelopment. DDP, opened in 2014, is positioned across the Han River in the northern part of the city, roughly a mile from the permanent gallery space Frieze House Seoul, established last year.

The region is renowned for design, fashion, and shopping; it houses Korea's only public design museum and a history museum. This year, DDP is hosting Design Miami (1-6 September). DDP's exhibition halls will provide the fair with a "more concentrated footprint", according to Frieze, and the 2027 edition will "be carefully edited as a result, giving each gallery and presentation greater prominence within a single focused environment".

Kiaf Seoul will retain its location at COEX. Despite the shift, both organizations will collaborate, and attendees can still purchase a combined ticket. Sunghoon Lee, president of the Galleries Association of Korea, expressed his best wishes for Frieze Seoul's success in its new venue and anticipation for a robust partnership to further bolster Seoul's status as a leading hub for contemporary art in Asia.

COEX, established in 1979, is currently being revamped by British firm Heatherwick Studios, who will introduce a modular façade inspired by cabinets of curiosities, as well as renovate the interior spaces. The completion is expected by 2029. During the fair's previews, buyers from Korea and across Asia thronged the booths of prominent galleries and local dealers.

This edition marks a shift in Frieze Seoul's regional collecting base, which has lessened but remains stable with decent top-end sales and a strong institutional presence, solidifying its position as one of Asia's leading market moments.