Frieze Plans New Art Fair in Seoul for 2022

Frieze, the international art fair organizer with editions in London, New York, and Los Angeles, is reportedly planning to launch a new fair in Seoul, South Korea, in autumn 2022. The news was first reported by local Korean outlet Hankoryeh, which stated that Frieze has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Galleries Association of Korea to develop the fair, coinciding with the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF) organized by the same association. However, a spokesperson for the Galleries Association of Korea told ArtNews that "there is nothing to report at this time," while a Frieze spokesperson said, "We are always looking for potential new opportunities and have an excellent relationship with Korean galleries, institutions, and collectors," adding that "everything is possible, but there is nothing to report at this stage." The move comes despite the ongoing pandemic, which has forced many major art fairs to postpone or cancel events. Art Basel Hong Kong was rescheduled from March to May 21-23, 2021, and Frieze Los Angeles was postponed from February to July 2021. Seoul has become a growing hub for Western galleries, with Pace Gallery, Emmanuel Perrotin (who also has spaces in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo), and Various Small Fires of Los Angeles opening branches there. Plans for a new Centre Pompidou outpost in Seoul remain on hold due to the pandemic.