Frieze returns to Seoul this week, a city that hums in two registers at once: hyper-modern velocity and temple-quiet poise. Let the fair be a launching pad, then follow the city’s quiet and enthusiastic reverbations through a few chosen stops—art, calm, design, books, and a plant-based meal to reset.
The anchor of the week. In addition to the international program, pay attention to leading Korean galleries on site—Arario Gallery, Gallery 2, Gallery Baton, Gallery Hyundai, Jason Haam, Johyun Gallery, Kukje Gallery, P21, PKM Gallery—for a clear read on the local arts world. Practical approach: budget about an hour per hall, shortlist three booths to study closely, and note one work that, if you could, you’d acquire.
When the fair feels full, cross the boulevard into shade of the pins and serenity of bells peeling. This offers a quick reset—courtyards, halls, and a hillside Buddha. Ten quiet minutes here will recalibrate your pace for the day.
I love bookstores, but especially one that includes 40-foot walls of books. After taking countless photographs, take a moment to reflect on the fair and the piece you ‘bought’, and map the next four stops. Starfield Library is the rare mall experience that actually restores attention.
This museum is a welcome counterpoint to fair-speed: historic technique meeting contemporary making housed across renovated school buildings. Follow one material (lacquer, textile, metal) through time and notice how “craft” quietly shifts how you see “art.”
Zaha Hadid’s landmark functions as an exhibition venue and civic plaza. It’s instructive for understanding how design and public space intersect in Seoul; early evening offers the most atmospheric read of the site.
A focused selection of catalogues, theory, and design titles. If a work or artist at Frieze caught your attention, look for related publications here; they’re often the best follow-up to a fair encounter.
After being on the inaugural MICHELIN Guide for Seoul, this vegan restaurant remains a refined, temple-cuisine institution. The experience here typifies the ritual and heritage of Buddhist cuisine. Plant-based, seasonal temple food served in a measured sequence. A meal here is a quiet counterpoint to a full day of experiencing art.
