Seoul’s Art Scene Outpaces the City’s Neon Glow

A $1.5 million Yoo Youngkuk painting set the pace as Frieze Seoul 2024 opened its doors, making headlines amid a swirl of international and local galleries. While the fair’s preview day buzzed with anticipation, the tempo of dealmaking felt more contemplative than frenzied—perhaps a sign of a maturing market rather than a sluggish one. Major players like Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, and Thaddaeus Ropac quickly reported impressive sales, with blue-chip works by Georg Baselitz, Avery Singer, and Robert Indiana finding new homes. Yet, the spotlight often landed on Korean collectors, highlighting Seoul’s growing influence as a regional art hub. From watercolors selling for a few thousand dollars to sculptures and paintings commanding six- and seven-figure sums, the fair’s diversity mirrored the city’s own blend of tradition and innovation. As the week unfolds, the only certainty is that Seoul’s art market continues to surprise—never quite following the script, but always writing a new one. #FriezeSeoul2024 #KoreanArt #ArtMarket #Culture