The Evolution of an Icon
As Korea’s longest-running art festival, the 2026 Galleries Art Fair returns to COEX this April to showcase the incredible depth and diversity of the domestic art market.
This prestigious event serves as a high-energy bridge where the sophistication of modern masters meets the raw, creative spark of the next generation.
Organized by the Galleries Association of Korea, the fair continues its 44-year legacy of discovering fresh talent and expanding the horizons of the global art world.
The Grand Opening & Venue
The excitement kicks off on April 8th with an exclusive VIP and Press Preview starting at 3:00 PM, followed by a full public run through April 12th.
Located at COEX Halls C & D in the heart of Gangnam, the fair will feature a stunning array of paintings, sculptures, media art, and installations.
You can secure your spot right now by booking digital tickets at the official registration link, with various options tailored to your viewing style.
A Lineup of Powerhouse Galleries
This year’s floor is packed with industry titans like GALLERY HYUNDAI, alongside globally-minded curators such as LYNN Fine Art Gallery, which focuses on harmonizing Korean art with the international scenes of the US and China.
We are also thrilled to feature Atelier AKI, a contemporary hub that has been leading the market since 2010 by introducing high-potential artists to the global stage.
These galleries, along with many others like KONCRETE and BANDITRAZOS, are set to offer collectors and first-time viewers an unforgettable aesthetic journey.
Digital Innovation & Green Initiatives
In a bold move for the planet, the 2026 fair has gone 100% paperless by digitizing all tickets and invitations to minimize its environmental footprint.
Navigating the massive hall is now effortless thanks to the "Art Spoon" online booth search system and free digital catalogs available at www.hwami.org.
This tech-forward approach ensures that every visitor can access artist information and floor maps instantly right from their smartphone.
Exclusive Programs & Visual Identity
Visitors can look forward to the ZOOM-IN Edition 7 special exhibition for emerging artists and a landmark showcase celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Galleries Association of Korea.
The fair’s new visual identity features "distorted and merged 3D shapes," symbolizing the intersection of diverse perspectives that form a single, unified flow of art.
Through interactive docent tours and "ART&ARTIST TALK" sessions, this year's event promises to be a multidimensional experience that truly leads the modern art paradigm.
A Massive Convergence of Art and Vision
The 2026 Galleries Art Fair marks a historic milestone as the largest edition ever, featuring a record-breaking lineup of 169 premier galleries.
This massive gathering offers an expansive look at the contemporary Korean art scene, showcasing everything from the profound depth of modern masters to the cutting-edge experimentation of the next generation.
As the nation's longest-running art festival, it continues to serve as the definitive map for where the art market is headed.
Masterpieces Meet Experimental Innovation
Leading the charge is Gallery Hyundai, a pioneer in abstract and experimental art, which presents the legendary works of the late Dansaekhwa master Chung Sang-hwa alongside the avant-garde vision of Lee Kang-so.
Samtuh Gallery further enriches this narrative by bridging generations, pairing Korean masters like Park Seo-bo and Yun Hyong-keun with the fresh abstract perspectives of young Chinese painter Chen Lizhu.
These presentations highlight the enduring legacy of Korean Modernism while fostering a global dialogue with neighboring contemporary scenes.
The Global Pulse and Material Mastery
Kukje Gallery continues its role as a vital cultural hub by introducing high-profile artists like Jang Pa and the Canadian-Korean sensation Lotus L. Kang, alongside a cohort of celebrated domestic talents including Park Jin-ah and Kim Young-na.
Meanwhile, Gallery Shilla pushes the boundaries of medium by featuring geometric abstractionist Kim Yong-ik together with the tech-forward media art collective Kimchi and Chips.
The exploration of materials reaches a peak at Gallery SKLO, where the pioneered ceramic works of Shin Sang-ho meet the ethereal engraved glass sculptures of Lee Sang-min.
European Flair and International Perspectives
Adding a distinct global flavor, CHOI&CHOI Gallery introduces a roster of influential European voices to the Korean market.
Their showcase includes British powerhouse Mathew Stone and German favorite Philip Grözinger, as well as the whimsical yet profound works of Fritz Bornstück and Catherine Anholt.
This international infusion is complemented by younger galleries like Obscura, which focuses on the body-centric art of Benedikt Hipp, and Gallery C&K, which brings the vibrant energy of Paris through the graffiti-inspired works of Tanc.
The Rise of the Next Generation
A defining trend of this year's fair is the proactive support of emerging talent by established galleries.
Sun Gallery highlights the labor-intensive, textured canvases of Woo Byung-yun, while Keumsan Gallery introduces the emotional drawings of Lee Yun-jung and the 3D-pen urban landscapes of Shin Ye-rin, a breakout star from previous ZOOM-IN editions.
Kong Gallery also returns with a matured world from Zen Park, the 2023 ZOOM-IN Grand Prize winner.
These efforts are joined by new-generation galleries like THEO, which cultivates a diverse global ecosystem featuring artists from Africa, Indonesia, and the UK, including Jack Kabangu and Iqi Qoror.
