The fifth edition of Frieze Seoul will transform the city into an open-air museum from September 2 to 5, featuring over 125 galleries from more than 30 countries at COEX. As part of this event, British artist Ryan Gander will launch a public art project, hiding 16,000 specially made coins throughout various accessible locations in Seoul, allowing visitors to experience art in unexpected ways.
On July 18, Frieze Seoul announced Gander's public art initiative, 'The Find Seoul.'
Gander will conceal the 16,000 coins in areas such as Euljiro, Hannam, Cheongdam, Samcheong, and around COEX. Each coin serves as both an artwork and a good luck charm, featuring different inscriptions. Those who find the coins can keep them or pass them on to others. The project will run from August 31 to September 10.
During Frieze Week, 'Neighborhood Nights' will also take place, starting with Euljiro Night on August 31, followed by Hannam on September 1, Cheongdam on September 2, and Samcheong on September 3. On the same day, 'Frieze Music,' sponsored by BMW, will be held.
In collaboration with the Busan Biennale, 'Busan Biennale × Frieze Film Seoul 2026' will be presented at SongEun, featuring a special screening program that expands on the 2026 exhibition theme 'Dissonant Chorus.' Artists such as Allison Nguyen, Umi Ishihara, and Luis Hock will participate, offering a new way to experience the Busan Biennale in Seoul.
Inside the exhibition halls, various special projects will be showcased. Artists Moon Kyungwon and Jeon Junho will present 'Mobile Agora,' an installation that arranges recycled plastic chairs in a circular formation to encourage dialogue among viewers. This installation prompts participants to reflect on issues like plastic pollution and climate change.
Print Bakery will unveil 'The Moon Jar Constellation,' featuring 15 Korean artists, including Shim Moonseob, Lee Kangsok, and Jeon Gwangyoung. This project reinterprets the traditional moon jar through a contemporary artistic lens, with a portion of the proceeds donated to UNICEF.
This year's Frieze Seoul Artist Award winner, Yagwang (Kim Taeri, Jeon In), will present a new work titled 'Facade Zone.' The piece includes latex sculptures inspired by Korean Buddhist attire and accessories, along with a lighting system that continuously alters the work's appearance. Visitors will be able to move freely inside and outside the structure to engage with the artwork.
From September 3 to 5, a talk program in collaboration with Kiaf Seoul and the Arts Management Support Center will take place at COEX. Domestic and international artists, curators, and art institution representatives will participate, and all talks will be free to attend at COEX Studio 159.
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, stated, “As we celebrate the fifth edition of Frieze Seoul, we aim to extend artistic experiences beyond COEX to various locations throughout the city. From our collaboration with the Busan Biennale to public art projects across the city, this year's program is designed to allow both domestic and international visitors to engage more deeply with contemporary art in Seoul.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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