Kiaf SEOUL 2026 Announces Milestone 25th Anniversary Fair with New Creative Direction

The Galleries Association of Korea has officially announced the details for Kiaf SEOUL 2026, the nation's largest contemporary art fair. The event is scheduled to take place from September 2 to September 6 at the COEX convention center in Seoul. This year marks a significant milestone as the fair celebrates its 25th anniversary. Organizers have confirmed that 175 exhibitors from 18 different countries will participate in the upcoming showcase. The fair will once again run concurrently with Frieze Seoul, maintaining the same dates and location to create a major hub for the international art market. A notable change for this year's edition is the appointment of an external creative director for the first time in the event's history. The association has selected acclaimed designer Kuho Jung to lead the fair's branding and spatial design. Jung is widely recognized for his versatile work across the fields of fashion, performance, and exhibition design. His involvement is expected to bring a new aesthetic perspective to the long-running event. In addition to his role in branding, Jung will oversee the curation of special exhibitions throughout the fair. These additions aim to enhance the visitor experience and provide a deeper look into contemporary artistic trends. The collaboration reflects a broader effort to integrate diverse creative disciplines into the traditional art fair format. As the fair approaches its quarter-century mark, the focus remains on fostering connections between global galleries and the local art community. The organizers hope that the combination of established exhibitors and fresh creative leadership will draw significant interest from collectors and the public alike. Further details regarding the specific special exhibitions and programming are expected to be released as the opening date nears.