Kiaf SEOUL 2025 Wraps Up with 82,000 Visitors and Strong Sales Despite Economic Slowdown From September 3 to 7, COEX in Seoul became the vibrant stage for Kiaf SEOUL 2025, Korea’s largest international art fair, which successfully closed its doors after welcoming more than 82,000 visitors. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013466332 A Star-Studded Opening The fair made headlines from day one as First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the opening ceremony, joining VIP guests to tour the booths. It was the first time the First Lady had visited Kiaf, and her presence brought additional energy to the already buzzing venue. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013466332 Global Participation and Market Energy This year’s edition, co-hosted alongside Frieze Seoul for the fourth time, gathered 175 galleries from over 20 countries, including 50 international exhibitors from Germany, France, Italy, Taiwan, the U.S., Spain, and more. Despite ongoing concerns about the global economy, the market atmosphere remained upbeat, with sales ranging from major blue-chip works to mid-range and emerging pieces. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013466332 Impressive Sales Results Korean galleries recorded remarkable sales: Gallery Hyundai sold out works by Kim Bo-hee and Kim Chang-yeol. Gana Art placed pieces by Chiharu Shiota (₩320M) and other leading Korean artists. Hakgojae sold large-scale works by Eom Jung-sun and over 30 pieces from Kim Jae-yong’s donut series. International exhibitors also thrived: Galerie Vazieux sold a Lee Ungno work for ₩140M. Gallery Delaive placed three Ayako Rokkaku works ranging from ₩80M to ₩300M. Whitestone Gallery sold four works by Lee Jaehyun. SH Gallery completely sold out five works by Backside works. First-time participants like LWArt celebrated complete sell-outs, with director Shoji Ogawa noting not only sales success but also promising business meetings for future projects. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013466332 Special Exhibitions and Public Engagement Kiaf 2025 expanded beyond booths with special exhibitions such as Reverse Cabinet, an Incheon Airport collaboration, and Media Art Seoul. The Galleries Night program in Hannam, Cheongdam, and Samcheong, combined with F&B brand partnerships, added to the festival atmosphere. Celebrity visits further boosted attention, with BTS RM, Stray Kids’ Hyunjin, and actors Kim Hee-sun and Go Soo spotted among the crowd. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013466332 Kiaf’s Growing Role According to Lee Sung-hoon, Chairman of the Galleries Association of Korea, Kiaf is no longer just a marketplace but a platform showcasing the possibilities of contemporary art. The noticeable rise in 20s and 30s collectors signals a dynamic generational shift, securing the fair’s future relevance. Launched in 2002, Kiaf has grown into Korea’s first and largest international art fair. Since partnering with Frieze Seoul in 2022, it has positioned Seoul as a global art hub, bridging East and West while attracting international collectors and artists alike. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013466332 ✨ Kiaf SEOUL 2025 has proven that even in uncertain economic times, art remains a powerful and resilient market—one that continues to grow and inspire across generations and borders. #KiafSeoul2025 #SeoulArtFair #KoreanArt #ContemporaryArt #ArtMarket #ArtCollectors #FriezeSeoul #InternationalArtFair #ModernArt #ArtExhibition #SeoulEvents #GlobalArtHub #ArtSales #GalleryLife #ArtScene #ArtFair2025 #CulturalEvents #ArtAndCulture #SeoulLife #ArtFestival #KoreanArtists #InternationalGalleries #ArtInvestment #ArtWorld #ArtNews #ArtLovers #YoungCollectors #ArtCommunity #ArtInSeoul #GlobalCollectors
