Kiaf SEOUL (Korea International Art Fair) Opens for Its 25th Anniversary... 'Coexistence' Unfolded by 175 Galleries

[Financial News] Korea's largest art fair, 'Kiaf SEOUL,' has celebrated its 25th anniversary. With 'coexistence' as its central theme, it expands the boundaries of the art experience, ranging from contemporary art presented by galleries from 18 countries to special exhibitions dealing with humans and technology, as well as classical performances and urban media art.■ 175 Galleries at Home and Abroad... Connecting Korean Art with the WorldAccording to the Galleries Association of Korea on the 2nd, 'Kiaf SEOUL 2026' will be held from today until the 6th at Halls A and B and the Grand Ballroom on the 1st floor of COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Launched in 2002 as Korea's first international art fair, Kiaf SEOUL has grown into a platform connecting domestic and international art markets.
This year, 127 domestic galleries, including Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Gana Art, Sun Gallery, Johyun Gallery, Hakgojae Gallery, and Arario Gallery, and 48 overseas galleries are participating. A total of 20 galleries are joining for the first time this year, including 15 overseas galleries such as NINO MIER GALLERY in New York and JD Mallat in London, and 5 domestic galleries.
Fifteen galleries are participating in the solo booths to intensively showcase the artistic world of a single artist. Nineteen galleries, including eight domestic and eleven international ones, have been listed for 'Kiaf PLUS,' which introduces emerging artists and galleries.
This year, changes were made to the operational approach, including the introduction of a Creative Director system for the first time and the appointment of designer Jung Guho. Director Jung oversees branding, spatial design, and the planning of special exhibitions, while reorganizing exhibition flow and spatial staging around the viewing experience.
The two events, which began co-hosting in 2022, will be held at different locations for the first time next year. Frieze Seoul will move to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and Kiaf SEOUL will remain at COEX, but cooperation, such as the operation of integrated tickets, is planned to continue.
■ From AI and AR to Seong-Jin Cho's performances... Expanding 'coexistence'The special exhibition, embodying this year's theme of 'coexistence,' consists of 'HUMAL' and 'VIRTUAL VITAL,' which expands upon it through augmented reality (AR). Seven artists—Kang Geon, Kwak Ji-soo, Sung Byung-hee, Oh Hyung-geun, Lee Dong-wook, Lee Hwan-kwon, and Hwang Su-yeon—participate in 'HUMAL,' exploring the human body, senses, instincts, and memories. Visitors can also view works by Kwak In-tan, Lee Hyung-gu, Choi Su-ang, and Han Jae-yeol in a three-dimensional digital space via QR codes located throughout the exhibition hall.
The artist support program 'KIAF Highlights' has also been strengthened. Independent exhibition spaces have been set up within gallery booths to highlight 10 artists who have passed expert screening. Two finalists selected through on-site evaluations will each receive a grant of 10 million won. The new program 'Kiaf Portrait' illuminates the artistic worlds and philosophies of Park Seo-bo and Kim Chang-youl, tracing the flow of Korean contemporary art.
From the 3rd to the 5th, a talk program will be held at Studio 159 on the 3rd floor of COEX in collaboration with Korea Arts Management Service and Frieze Seoul. Topics covered include biennales and curatorial practices, Nam June Paik in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), and collectors' talks. Participation is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kiaf SEOUL is expanding its program beyond the venue. Until the 19th, media art works will be broadcast simultaneously every hour at eight locations in downtown Seoul, including the area around Gwanghwamun Square. On the 4th, the 'KIAF Classic' performance featuring pianist Seong-Jin Cho will be held at the COEX Auditorium.
On the 2nd, only VIPs can view the exhibits. General viewing begins at 3:00 PM on the 3rd, and is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the 4th and 5th, and from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the 6th.
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