On the occasion of the Frieze Seoul art fair from September 4-7, we ask Soo Choi, founder of Seoul’s P21 gallery, to share her favourite haunts in the city—from the best cultural destinations to restaurants serving the most authentic Korean fare
The third edition of Frieze Seoul returns, this year taking place from September 4 to 7. As the annual fair kicks off, collectors, gallerists and visitors are descending upon South Korea’s capital to discover all its cultural offerings.
We asked Seoul native Soo Choi, who founded the gallery P21, to recommend her favourite places to visit in the city.
P21 is an edgy, young gallery located in Seoul’s Itaewon district. It encourages artists from around the world, and at various stages of their careers, to stage unique, site-specific presentations that transform the gallery space.
From the trendiest bars, dessert that is literally eye candy—and of course, the best art to see—the art veteran has you covered.
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Soo Choi (Photo: Lee Euiroc)
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What are you looking forward to most at this year’s Frieze, as well as Seoul Art Week and the Korean International Art Fair (both taking place September 4-8)?
We recently moved [P21 gallery] to a bigger space, and for out-of-town visitors, it will be their first time seeing the new space. We are revealing a new, ambitious project by our artist Keem Jiyoung and are very excited to see the responses. Also, I’m extra excited to welcome Galerie Eva Presenhuber as my neighbour, who will take over my previous space. I’m very honoured to have such a respected gallery join our neighbourhood.
What are your favourite art spaces and museums to visit?
Hands down Leeum Samsung Museum. I’m a bit bummed that we don’t get to see its modern and contemporary collections at the moment though. Amorepacific Museum of Art is also a very nice private institution. As for non-profits, Art Sonje and Songeun are respected institutions whose shows I always make sure not to miss.
Who for you is the most significant Korean artist, and where would you go to in Seoul to see their work?
Nam June Paik [the late artist, considered a pioneer of video art]. As far as I know, Nam June Paik Art Center, in the outskirts of Seoul, is the only place where you can find the display of multiple works by him as a permanent display.
