As Seoul continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading art capitals, Kiaf SEOUL 2026 returns to COEX from September 2–6, 2026, bringing together 175 galleries from 18 countries and territories for the 25th edition of Korea’s largest international art fair. Organized by the Galleries Association of Korea, Kiaf has become a key platform connecting Korean contemporary art with the global market while offering collectors, professionals, and the public an unparalleled opportunity to discover established names alongside emerging talent.

This year’s edition marks an important evolution for the fair with the appointment of acclaimed designer Kuho Jung as Kiaf’s first external Creative Director. Renowned for his work across fashion, performance, and exhibition design, Jung will oversee the fair’s branding, spatial design, and special exhibition curation. His appointment reflects Kiaf’s commitment to creating a more engaging and intuitive visitor experience, reinforcing the fair’s identity as an international cultural destination.

The gallery line-up once again demonstrates Kiaf’s growing international profile. Major Korean galleries including Gana Art, Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Arario Gallery, Hakgojae, Johyun Gallery, Sun Gallery, PYO Gallery, and Wooson Gallery will present significant works by leading contemporary artists. They are joined by international exhibitors such as Whitestone Gallery (Hong Kong), Art of the World Gallery (Houston), and Lazy Mike (Riga), while long-time participants including Gallery Tsubaki (Tokyo) and Galerie Zwischen (Karlsruhe) continue their enduring relationship with the fair.

Kiaf also welcomes 20 first-time participants, further expanding its international scope. New exhibitors include Nino Mier Gallery (New York), Jacob Arthur Gallery (Los Angeles), Anna Nova Gallery (St. Petersburg), and JD Malat (London), alongside five Korean galleries making their Kiaf debut. Together, they introduce fresh artistic perspectives that reflect the diversity of today’s global contemporary art scene.

One of Kiaf’s defining features remains Kiaf PLUS, a section dedicated to experimentation and emerging voices. Originally established to support young galleries and artists, the program has grown into one of the fair’s signature attractions. This year, Kiaf PLUS brings together galleries from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Spain, Russia, and the United States, creating a dynamic platform where new ideas, cross-cultural dialogue, and innovative artistic practices take center stage.

Artist support continues to be a central focus through Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS, which returns in an expanded format for 2026. Participating galleries nominate artists for consideration, with ten selected by a panel of art professionals. The chosen artists will benefit from dedicated exhibition spaces designed to present their practices in greater depth, allowing visitors and collectors to engage more meaningfully with works exploring themes such as materiality, the environment, and Eastern philosophy.

Beyond the exhibition halls, Kiaf serves as the centerpiece of Seoul Art Week, connecting visitors to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. As part of the Korea Art Festival initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Seoul Art Week brings together major museums, nonprofit institutions, galleries, and district-wide cultural programs. Visitors can experience exhibitions at institutions including the Leeum Museum of Art, Art Sonje Center, and Space K, while also exploring neighborhood events such as Samcheong Night, Hannam Night, and Cheongdam Night, transforming the entire city into a destination for contemporary art.

Kiaf’s continued growth is supported by KB Financial Group, which returns as Lead Partner for the third consecutive year. Through preview events, private docent tours, and special programming, KB has strengthened its long-term commitment to arts patronage. This year, the partnership includes a collaborative exhibition featuring Kim Taek Sang, one of the leading artists of the post-Dansaekhwa generation, providing visitors with another opportunity to engage with contemporary Korean art.

Reflecting on this year’s edition, Galleries Association of Korea President and Kiaf Operating Committee Chairman Sunghoon Lee emphasized Kiaf’s ongoing mission to serve as an international platform where leading galleries from Korea and around the world come together to present diverse perspectives on contemporary art.

With an expanded international gallery roster, enhanced visitor experience, stronger support for artists, and a city-wide cultural program extending beyond the fair itself, Kiaf SEOUL 2026 continues to reinforce Seoul’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations for contemporary art.