Frieze Seoul to Relocate to Zaha Hadid's DDP in 2027

Frieze Seoul will move its 2027 edition to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), designed by Zaha Hadid, as the current venue COEX prepares for redevelopment. The announcement was made ahead of the fair's fifth edition, scheduled to take place at COEX from September 2–5, 2026. DDP, opened in 2014 and located in Seoul's Dongdaemun district, has become a major cultural destination, attracting over 120 million visitors in 11 years, with approximately 17 million annually. The move will alter the fair's physical character, as DDP's exhibition halls offer a more concentrated footprint, allowing for a more tightly edited presentation that gives galleries greater prominence. Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, emphasized that the fair is about artists, galleries, and institutions, and that DDP's distinctive architecture will create new possibilities. Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, stated the company's long-term commitment to Seoul, noting the fair's growth through partnerships since 2022. Frieze Seoul will continue its concurrent partnership with Kiaf SEOUL, with joint tickets available. Sunghoon Lee, President of the Galleries Association of Korea, expressed support for the move, highlighting the role of both fairs in establishing Seoul as a leading art capital. Further details on the 2027 edition will be announced later.