Frieze Seoul returns to COEX in Gangnam from September 2–5, bringing together more than 130 galleries from 30 countries and regions for its fifth edition. Presented in partnership with Kiaf SEOUL and directed by Patrick Lee, the 2026 fair places particular attention on artists outside established art-historical narratives, material experimentation and galleries working beyond the cities that usually dominate international attention.
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Major international galleries include Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, White Cube, David Zwirner, Lisson and Thaddaeus Ropac, joined by Korean galleries including Kukje Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, PKM Gallery, Johyun Gallery and Hakgojae Gallery.
Several presentations coincide with institutional exhibitions elsewhere in Korea. Lehmann Maupin will dedicate a solo section to Do Ho Suh during his survey at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, while PKM Gallery will present Koo Jeong A ahead of the artist’s September exhibition at Leeum Museum. Johyun Gallery will stage a solo presentation of Lee Bae’s sculptures as his exhibition continues at Museum SAN.
Frieze Seoul also introduces Spotlight, a new section curated by Wonseok Koh of the Line Cultural Foundation. The program brings together fifteen twentieth-century artists whose work has received less attention within Western-centered art histories. Participants include Korean photographer Han Youngsoo, Myanmar conceptual artist Po Po, Japanese artist Etsuko Nakatsuji, Korean experimental artist Suk Ran Hi and South Asian modernist Reba Hore.
Another new section, Material Practice, examines contemporary work in ceramics, textiles, glass, metal, wood and paper. Curated by Hyeyoung Cho, the program considers how artists and designers work with traditional techniques alongside newer technologies. Presentations include Korean-American designer Minjae Kim with his mother Myoung-Ae Lee, ceramic works by Jane Yang-D’Haene and Shin Sang-ho, and work by LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize recipients Jongjin Park and Dahye Jeong.
Focus also broadens its scope beyond Asia for the first time, presenting sixteen solo projects from emerging galleries founded within the past twelve years.
Beyond COEX, Frieze Week extends throughout Seoul with exhibitions, performances and events at institutions and galleries including Leeum Museum, SONGEUN Art and Cultural Foundation and Art Sonje Center. Neighborhood Nights will take place in Euljiro, Hannam, Cheongdam and Samcheong, alongside Frieze LIVE, Frieze Film and Frieze Music.
