ART BAKER's Tour Guide for Art Lovers
Frieze SEOUL 2023:
Tour Guide for Discerning Art Lovers
to Elavete Your Experience & Enjoy & Indulge in the Allure of Seoul Art Week
ARTour Guide for Art Lovers
to Eat in, Enjoy, Love Seoul
After much anticipation, Seoul is emerging as a prominent hub in the art world. Following the successful launch of Frieze SEOUL 2022, a new international art fair (in a distinctive partnership with the Galleries Association of Korea) at the Coex Center - an upscale convention complex situated in the famously affluent Gangnam area - alongside the mainstay event Korea International Art Fair or Kiaf SEOUL, South Korea's leading art fair. Kiaf has been spotlighting the finest Korean galleries over the past two decades.
In 2022, Frieze SEOUL and Kiaf SEOUL both saw a constant stream of excited, enthusiatic, curious collectors and visior coming from all over the world. Both international and local galleries that took part in the new fair had their booths filled with exceptional artworks.
Next week's Seoul Goes Out looks a bit different. September is art fair season in Seoul so today, I'll be focusing on what to do during Seoul Art Week, Kiaf and the most expansive art fair during this season in Seoul, Frieze.
Booking for Frieze SEOUL 2023 (link)
Booking for Kiaf SEOUL 2023 (link)
If you're still pondering over your accmmodation, make sure not to overlook this valuable tips! Consider Park Hyatt if you'll frequently visit Coex, the main event venue, for
over two days during the Frieze Seoul period. Josun Palace, newly opened in 2021, is also just a 15 -minutes drive from Coex. Beyond art events, you can indulge in shopping or relishi Seoul's panoramic views from a high vantage point. Then SIGNIEL, situated conviently close to Coex presents an appealing option. Lastly, to explore and enjoy prominent domestic
galleries gathered in Samcheong-Dong and participating in the Samcheong Night event on September 7, the centrally located Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul comes highly recommeneded!
Location 5/5 (within 5 mins to Coex)
Park Hyatt sits right next to Coex, making it super convenient if you’re planning to hit up Frieze and Kiaf for more than two days during Seoul Art Week.
Right in the posh Gangnam area, this place serves up prime views. You can’t pass up the digital wall draped over SM Town at K-POP square either. Top-notch for shopping, sightseeing, easy transit, and hitting up nearby bars.
Location 4.8/5 (within 15 mins to Coex)
Recently opened in May 2021, Josun Palace stands as Seoul's newest addition to the realm of luxury hotels. This splendid establishment pays homage to the historic Chosun Hotel, Korea's inaugrual luxuty hotel constructed back in 1914. At the helm of Marriott International's Luxury Collection, this marks their premier property in South Korea, where a harmonious blend of antiquity and modernity prevails.
Designed by architects Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet from Humbert & Poyet, the hotel features a blend of modern geometric lines and traditional Korean motifs, celebrating its rich history in hospitality. The 254 rooms at Josun Palace are adorned with luxurious Frette linens, an Italian brand with a heritage of over 160 years.
The dining options are impressive. The Great Hong Yuan offers authentic Cantonese fine dining, while Eatanic Garden presents contemporary Korean cuisine. Both restaurants are on the top floor, providing a splendid view along with a delightful culinary experience.
Location 4.5/5 (about 20 mins to Coex)
For an authentic urban vista from the pinnacle of Seoul, I highly recommend considering Signiel. Positioned in the vibrant Jamsil neighborhood, this locale offers an array of shopping delights, encompassing everything from luxurious items to the offerings of esteemed establishments like Lotte Department Store and AVENUEL.
As a official parter with Frieze Seoul, they also serves you SIGNIEL SEOUL X FRIEZE SEOUL package which includes city view room 1 night and Frieze Seoul VIP Pass.
Location 4.5/5 (50 mins to coex but near Samcheong-dong area)
If you’d like to enjoy a panoramic palace view in the heart of Seoul and have a desire to explore prominent Korean galleries in Samcheong-dong, the Four Seasons is a great option.
Be sure not to overlook the Samcheong Night event on September 7th as well!
Experience revitalization at the Korean Sauna of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Elevate your senses with their exquisite signature scented candle, exuding an iconic and captivating aroma.
Their food is also really good, so you can enjoy a delightful dining experience while exploring Seoul.
It’s your golden ticket to feast, vibe, and soak in Seoul’s awesomeness all at once!
Make sure to attend Art Night, where a lot of galleries stay open late and you can meet special works at a special time!
Talks and events will be held at spaces where you can meet the portfolios of Seoul artists and information on schedules and events you can enjoy during Seoul Art Week.
Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong, 567-25 1F
Enjoyable ambiance paired with refined dining. Attentive staff adeptly presents and describes their culinary offerings.
The menu features an array of Tapas crafted with ingredients from various countries, complemented by main courses like duck breast steak, fish, and ceviche, among others. Additionally, they also provide room reservations with a capacity of up to 13 people.
For groups of less than 5 people, the total charge is a minimum of $380.
For groups of 6 or more people, the charge is a minimum of $80 per person
Price range for a single main dish: $25 - $40
Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Bongeunsa-ro 84-gil, 9 1F
Minkyu Samsung is well-suited for group gatherings and dinners, as all seats are housed in private rooms. Reservations are essential, and to secure a spot on your desired date, you can call (+82 2 553 0331).
There's a corkage fee of $20 per bottle for more than two bottles; however, the first bottle is free.
They offer private rooms for 6, 8, 12, and 16 people.
The course menu averages around $100 per person.
Seoul, Dosan-daero, 445, AroundUS Entertainment, 2F
Drawing inspiration from the architectural design of the Seokguram World Heritage Site, this establishment has fused modern architectural elements to craft the ceiling of its main dining hall. This integration extends further, as the space within Ido Cheongdam seamlessly marries contemporary Italian cuisine with the harmony of East and West. The area holds a unique ambiance, with white porcelain-laden pillars and celadon-infused walls radiating a blend of energies. A special touch comes in the form of the gallery zone at the hall's center, offering monthly displays of artwork from diverse artists, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience.
Their dishes boast exquisite flavors while also presenting an artistic display. Yido, formerly a Korean ceramic craft house, now serves their culinary creations on their own beautifully designed plates. This experience offers a delightful blend of taste and visual pleasure. The restaurant's ceramic dishes and cups, along with the overall decor, add to the excitement, creating a visually stunning dining environment.
For groups larger than 6 people opting for dinner courses, an 8-person room is available.
Similarly, for groups exceeding 12 people dining on dinner courses, a room accommodating 16 people is offered. Alternatively, it's also possible to order individual menu if the total cost matches that of the dinner course for a group of 12 people.