From September 3 to 7, Kiaf SEOUL 2025, the largest art fair in Korea, will take place at COEX in Seoul. This year’s edition brings together 175 galleries from over 20 countries.
 
Among them, 53 international galleries—accounting for about one-third of the total—will gather from key art hubs such as Germany, Italy, France, Taiwan, the United States, Thailand, and Spain. On the domestic side, leading galleries including Gana Art, Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Sun Gallery, Pyo Gallery, Johyun Gallery, and Hakgojae Gallery will participate.
 
A total of 153 distinguished Korean and international galleries will join the fair’s main section, Kiaf GALLERIES, showcasing the diverse currents of contemporary art, the identity of Korean art, and its potential for international expansion.

Wellside Gallery, a long-standing supporter of both emerging and established artists and a driving force in the internationalization of Korean contemporary art, presents recent works from Park Seo-Bo’s renowned ‘Écriture (描法, myobop)’ series. These works embody the artist’s unique synthesis of materiality and Eastern philosophy. Pyo Gallery introduces the work of Kim Tschang-Yeul, whose iconic water-drop motif conveys themes of presence and disappearance as well as meditative depth, offering viewers a quiet yet profoundly philosophical experience.
 
Johyun Gallery showcases new works by leading abstract painter Kim Taek Sang. Blending the sensibility of traditional ink with modern chromatic expression, his practice represents an evolving trajectory of Korean abstraction. 021 Gallery, dedicated to advancing the global presence of Korean contemporary artists, presents sculptural installations by internationally acclaimed artist Seonghi Bahk. Constructed with charcoal and nylon thread, his works expand spatial perception by traversing the boundaries between painting and sculpture, grounded in tension and gravity.
 
Gana Art highlights installations by Chiharu Shiota, internationally recognized for her immersive thread environments. Kukje Gallery presents works by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, whose exploration of color and form evokes psychological immersion and emotional resonance. Gallery Sejul introduces large-scale works by Cha Gye Nam, bridging the tradition of Korean painting with contemporary expression. Through the layering of ink and the orchestration of emptiness, his work opens new possibilities for the expansion of Eastern visual language.

Notable presentations also come from international galleries. Sundaram Tagore Gallery (New York) showcases works by Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju, whose practice combines traditional painting techniques with contemporary color palettes to explore the intersection of nature and spirituality.
 
Art of the World Gallery (Houston) once again presents works by Colombian master Fernando Botero Angulo. His signature voluminous and humorous figures gently illuminate the complexities of human emotion and relationships.
 
Germany’s leading DIE GALERIE, known for bridging the major art movements of the 20th century with contemporary practices, presents a dialogue spanning nearly 500 years of art history. The presentation includes masterpieces by French Surrealist André-Aimé-René Masson, Renaissance painter Palma il Vecchio, alongside modern and contemporary works.

The Kiaf PLUS section, dedicated to emerging artists and galleries, is also set to captivate audiences with a diverse range of works. Artemin Gallery (Taipei) introduces Taiwanese artist Nung-Hsuan Cheng, whose practice reimagines the compositional and narrative structures of classical painting into fantastical images reminiscent of theatrical stage sets, exploring the expansiveness of contemporary art across Asian and European contexts.
 
Seoul-based PBG, known for discovering and supporting distinctive talents, presents works by Lee Heejoh, selected for Forbes Korea’s 30 Under 30 in 2024. Lee captures fleeting moments of “happiness” in the simplicity of everyday objects. Azulejo Gallery showcases Spanish-Italian artist Viani, whose works center on themes of freedom and inner liberation.
 
With the participation of leading galleries from Korea and abroad, Kiaf SEOUL 2025 reinforces the stature of the Korean art market. Extending beyond the fairgrounds to the city and even the airport, Kiaf creates resonant experiences of art across multiple platforms.
 
More information and ticket reservations are available on the official website: https://kiaf.org

References

• 키아프 서울 보도자료 (Kiaf SEOUL Press Release)