Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul pointed to a recovering Korean art market as the fairs closed in Seoul after drawing large crowds and broader participation. The events did not produce the headline-grabbing blockbuster sales of 2022, but organizers and galleries said transactions were healthy across more price points and among more buyers. Frieze Seoul drew more than 70,000 visitors from 54 countries and regions, while Kiaf Seoul attracted about 80,000 visitors. Both fairs also highlighted growing interest from younger and first-time collectors.
Visitors look around art works at Frieze Seoul 2026 at Coex in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Frieze
In the art world, sales are often the barometer of a successful art fair. A successful fair is typically measured by a handful of blockbuster deals signed during the event.
This year’s Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul, which closed on Sunday, sent a more nuanced message.
The fairs did not see any ultra-high-value sales like those that made headlines during Frieze Seoul’s 2022 debut, but they sent a clear enough signal that Korea’s art market was regaining its footing, with a broader range of buyers, price points and artists.
