In celebration of Korea Art Week 2022 (Sep 1 to 11), Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism PARK Bo Gyoon visited Korea International Art Fair (Kiaf) Seoul, the nation’s largest art event, and Frieze Seoul, one of the world’s leading art fairs, on September 2 (Fri). During his visit, he met HWANG Dal-Seung, Chair of the Kiaf Operating Committee and President of the Galleries Association of Korea (GAK), and Frieze CEO Simon FOX and shared his thoughts on Korean art’s entry into the international art world.

Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul kicked off simultaneously at Seoul’s COEX convention center on September 2 (Fri.), featuring 164 galleries and over 110 galleries, respectively. The two large-scale art fairs, held during Korea Art Week 2022 opened to promote and enhance the public’s everyday access to fine art, added more opportunities to explore and enjoy an exciting range of artworks this autumn. Marking its 21^st anniversary, Kiaf Seoul runs until September 6 (Tue), while Frieze Seoul opened until September 5 (Mon). This marks the renowned international art event’s Asian debut after its launch in London, New York, and LA.  

The eye-catching joint opening of Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul is expected to boost the Korean art market’s share in the USD 60 billion global art market down the road. The local market was estimated to be around KRW 915.7 billion in 2021, a 179% increase from the previous year’s KRW 322.7 billion. Amid the growing international attention on Korean artists, including PARK Seo Bo, PARK Dae Seong, and LEE Ufan, these two events offered a valuable opportunity not only for Korean citizens but also overseas art lovers visiting Seoul celebrating the unique charms of Korean art. With the guidance of Mr. HWANG and Mr. FOX, Minister PARK explored the iconic works of art by distinguished Korean artists, including KIM Gu Rim, LEE Kun Yong, PARK Hyun Gi, and SEO Do Ho. He also visited Gagosian Gallery that has recently presented the works of PAIK Nam June in New York as well as the Acquavella Galleries that showcases masterworks, including paintings by Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse, and Piet Mondrian.  

After the tour, Minister PARK had talks with Mr. HWANG and Mr. FOX, discussing the current status and future growth of Korean art and also listening to the difficulties they face on site.

During the talks, he said, “I am very much pleased to see that the joint ticketing system of Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul is bringing together art lovers and experts at home and abroad in Seoul. I will spare no effort to continue promoting great Korean artists and their works in the global art community in the future.”