Featured Events in Seoul in July 2025 (August Updated)

Our first exhibition planned for 2025 will be a solo exhibition by Pierre Huyghe, a world-renowned artist who explores contemporary social issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, from ecology to technoscience. This is Pierre Huyghe's first solo exhibition in a Korean museum, and includes new works produced in collaboration with the Pinault Collection Punta della Dogana in Venice and the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. It presents the ecosystems where humans and non-humans coexist through video, sound, sculpture and installation.

Around the 2000s, a new focus and tone on archives emerged in the field of documentation and the contemporary art scene in Korea. With the truth-finding movement on the sacrifices and human rights violations in Korea's tortuous modern history of the last century, the value of private records, namely manuscripts, that are not captured by public records, has been re-evaluated. In addition, critical and alternative practices have been carried out on archives that support official history and memory. Contemporary art has also accepted critical theories of archives, and through the generation and reorganization of records, events or objects that are not covered by institutions or mainstream media are socially publicized. Over the past 20 years, manuscript- and archive-based work has formed a common terrain, excavating marginalized and suppressed events and objects and restoring them to social memory. This exhibition is combined with the institutional theme "Action" of the Seoul Museum of Art in 2025, which aims to examine the social value and practical mechanism of records. From today's perspective, the trend of what used to be called archival art, and manuscript history. These two trends continue to update critical discourses on archives while forming counter-memory. Especially today, when the proliferation of digital technology and communication has made instant information production a daily routine, and misinformation and alternative facts are rampant, recent domestic and international conflicts, disputes, disasters, etc. have raised the complex issue of "how to record and interpret the present." In such contemporary issues, beyond reproduction and preservation, we think about the social role of contemporary art and archives as memory institutions to restore social memory and reveal diverse voices. The title of the exhibition "We Keep Penetrating into Different Rivers" draws on the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus (535-475 BC)'s motto "You can't step into the same river twice", emphasizing that records are not permanent, but an ongoing process of encountering current consciousness through reading and perception. The exhibition is composed of "delayed memory", "witness records", and "thrown narratives" based on the meticulous contact and three-dimensional relationship with events or objects. "Delayed Memory" displays works related to the history of modern and contemporary Korean history and the history of suppressed communities, and exhibits related to the records of the Democratization Movement Memorial Foundation and the Korean Queer Archive Queerarch. "Witnessed Records" presents the Jeju April 3 Incident and the issue of "comfort women" of the Japanese military, which have not been revealed for a long time after the incident, through the collection records of the Jeju April 3 Peace Foundation and the Seoul Art Archives, and works that form an emotional space through meticulous documentary records. "Thrown Narratives" presents works that are rooted in real-life issues and archives, but construct new narratives in their missing spaces, liberating areas obscured by social conventions or boundaries and one-sided discourses. "We Keep Infiltrating Different Rivers" aims to recognize the activism of records from multiple perspectives through the process of constantly reconstructing and reinterpreting records of the past and present, arousing our memories, emotions and consciousness, and prompting us to take action for the future.

To commemorate the 165th anniversary of the birth of Alphonse Mucha, the master of Art Nouveau, my art gallery will hold "Flowers of Art Nouveau: Alphonse Mucha Exhibition" from March 20, 2025 to July 13, 2025, providing audiences with the opportunity to directly appreciate Mucha's unique and symbolic art world. Art Nouveau is a unique art movement that does not follow any specific system or principles. With the rapid political, social and technological changes in Europe at the end of the 19th century, people felt the need to break away from the old order and embrace the new reality. Art Nouveau was born under such a demand of the times, and it had a significant impact on all aspects of visual art, including painting, sculpture, graphic arts, architecture, and decorative arts. Mucha's unique style, known as the "Muchaesque," combined with Slavic folk motifs, made him a representative figure of the Art Nouveau movement. This exhibition reveals how Mucha's art and philosophy expanded beyond his success and fame in France to include Czech national identity. Explore his artistic journey through more than 300 works, including his original posters, prints, drawings, book publications, and design decorations.

A creative exhibition that goes beyond imagination and awakens your inner artistic perception.

Seoul: A series of concert films and music visuals under the theme "Asian Hybe Film Festival" starring four artists will kick off in cinemas on July 10 and run for four days in nine territories (South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan) and in Japan until August 7.

Feeling overwhelmed by work "rat race" and struggling to adapt to life? When hustling in a foreign land, there's always a mix of bitterness and helplessness. Why not dissolve it all with laughter? Join "the godfather of Chinese stand-up comedy" Joe Wong at Whitewave Art Center in Seoul,Korea, on July 19 for a relaxed and joyous evening! With his signature humor, he will share the ups and downs of overseas Chinese life, chat about hilarious cultural clashes, and help you find resonance through laughter! From workplace struggles to daily routines, from identity crises to cultural adaptation, Joe Wong's latest jokes might just mirror our real lives. This time, you don't have to fly to the White House or be the U.S. President. Just grab a ticket on Trip.com , and join us!

Gallery Chosun presents Sinabrau, a duo exhibition by Yohan Hàn and Achraf Touloub. This exhibition builds upon over a decade of dialogue and collaboration between the two artists. Over the years, Hàn and Touloub have gradually immersed themselves in each other’s artistic worlds, and this presentation offers a visual structure that gives form to the resonance and traces accumulated through that process.

Barakat Contemporary presents Shadows under water, the first-ever solo exhibition of works by German artist Ulla von Brandenburg to come to Korea.Von Brandenburg studied stage design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe and fine art at the University of Fine Arts of Hamburg. Now based in Paris, her active ongoing practice employs the approaches and methodologies of theater, stage, and performance art to address various cultural and social issues that have emerged at different historical moments, exploring ways in which specific narratives, rituals, and symbols of the past have come to shape contemporary society. Drawing inspiration from classical literature, expressionist theater, and pre-Freudian psychoanalysis, von Brandenburg works with recurring themes and imagery across a wide range of media that spans performance, theater, video, two-dimensional works, painting, fabric, installation, sculpture, and stage design.

Perrotin Seoul is pleased to present Time Blossom, a solo exhibition by Kwang Young Chun. Chun has developed a distinctive visual language that bridges tradition and modernity, East and West, through his sculptural exploration of hanji, traditional Korean paper. Expanding beyond ink on paper, he has continually pushed the boundaries between painting and sculpture with his Aggregation series—compositions of tightly clustered, triangular forms wrapped in hanji.

Skipper Gallery presents “Dialogue II,” a two-person exhibition featuring works by Prabhavati Mepail and Lee Soo-kyung, in Seoul on May 27. This exhibition is the second chapter of the “Dialogue” series, which began when the gallery moved to a new location in March this year.

Curated by Sunghui Lee Assisted by Sunju Lee Graphic Design by Eunjoo Hong and Hyungjae Kim Exhibition Architecture: Junho Kim Shipping & Installation: June Art Hosted by HITE Foundation

LKIF presents an exhibition of new works by Raphael Barratt. The show, titled Illuminated, marks Barratt’s first solo exhibition in Seoul.In this show, Barratt presents her latest paintings that hum with a quiet pulse. Through a finely tuned attention to color and the subtle interplay of figures, moments of intimate observation unfold into open, near-abstract spaces where fleeting impressions gain lasting form.

Artistic practice is inherently tied to the movement of “position”—both in terms of its displacement and the velocity of that shift—in the act of representing nature. Yet, when all positions are already occupied, and the occupied ones merely switch places at high speeds, art risks being reduced to the mere function of a medium. This monopolization of positionality has historically and socially solidified into dominant structures where only flashy accelerations draw attention. Within such a framework, artistic activity starts to resemble a reckless race.

The journey of discovering a new self begins with the 2025 Korean Beauty Festival! This summer, K-beauty fever is sweeping Seoul, and you can experience the most colorful journey of self-discovery at the Korean Beauty Festivals held across Seoul.

The Korea Seafood Show 2025 is poised to make waves in the bustling city of Seoul, taking place from July 1st to July 3rd at the renowned COEX Mall. As a premier event in the seafood industry, it serves as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, suppliers, and buyers to converge and explore the latest innovations and trends. With a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology, the show promises to showcase an impressive array of seafood products and services. Attendees can expect insightful seminars, engaging workshops, and ample networking opportunities, all designed to foster collaboration and growth within the industry. The Korea Seafood Show 2025 is an unmissable event for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the global seafood market and forge valuable connections in the heart of Korea.

Intercharm Korea 2025 is set to transform Seoul into a vibrant hub of beauty and innovation from July 2nd to July 4th at the renowned COEX venue. As the leading beauty trade show in Korea, this prestigious event promises to showcase cutting-edge trends and groundbreaking products in the cosmetics industry. With exhibitors and visitors from around the globe, Intercharm Korea 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking and collaboration among industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts. Attendees can expect a diverse array of exhibitions, workshops, and seminars, all designed to inspire and educate. The event's strategic location in Seoul, a city known for its dynamic culture and technological advancements, further enhances its appeal. Intercharm Korea 2025 is not just an event; it's a gateway to the future of beauty and cosmetics, making it an essential destination for anyone looking to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.

The Seoul Illustration Fair 2025, a premier event in the world of illustration, is set to captivate art enthusiasts and industry professionals alike from July 24 to July 27 at the renowned COEX Convention Center in Seoul, Korea. This illustrious gathering promises a vibrant showcase of creativity, where emerging talents and seasoned illustrators converge to display their latest works. With a rich tapestry of styles and mediums, the fair offers a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration. Attendees can expect a series of insightful workshops, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, providing a comprehensive exploration of contemporary illustration trends. Nestled in the heart of Seoul, the COEX Convention Center serves as the perfect backdrop for this artistic extravaganza, offering state-of-the-art facilities and easy accessibility. The Seoul Illustration Fair 2025 is not just an event; it's a celebration of artistic innovation and cultural exchange, drawing visitors from around the globe to experience the dynamic world of illustration in one of Asia's most vibrant cities.

The Seoul Illustration Exhibition is a professional exhibition representing the field of illustration. This is an art festival where various artists in the fields of painting, action, storytelling and graphics participate to promote their works and communicate directly with the audience.

The Seoul Bar & Spirit Show 2025, set to take place from July 25 to July 27 at the renowned COEX Convention Center in Seoul, Korea, promises to be a landmark event for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. This prestigious gathering will showcase an impressive array of spirits, cocktails, and bar innovations, drawing in top-tier distillers, mixologists, and connoisseurs from around the globe. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge trends, attend insightful seminars, and participate in exclusive tastings, all within the vibrant atmosphere of Seoul. With its strategic location in the heart of the city, the COEX Convention Center provides an ideal backdrop for this grand event, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and the chance to discover the latest advancements in the world of spirits. The Seoul Bar & Spirit Show 2025 is poised to be an unmissable occasion for those looking to delve into the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the bar and spirit industry.

This summer, the DDP Design Trail will be transformed into a giant game board. As you walk along the trail, various games and challenges will unfold, including a giant Jenga game, a hill climb, and a paper airplane game. Completing designated tasks will earn you special rewards, so be sure to join in! This popular outdoor space will also feature skateboarding competitions and DJ performances in partnership with Red Bull, CrossFit and yoga workshops in partnership with Hyundai Outlets, and the DDP Night Run. Enjoy an exciting summer adventure in the heart of Seoul at the DDP Summer Festival! Embark on your own quest at the DDP Summer Festival!