The Galleries Art Fair, also known as the Hwarang Art Fair, ended its five-day run at Seoul's COEX exhibition center with approximately 50,000 visitors, organizers said Monday. A rise in younger and family visitors boosted sales of low- to mid-range artworks amid a cautious buying trend.
The Galleries Art Fair, also known as the Hwarang Art Fair, ran from April 8 to 12 at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul. Organizers reported approximately 50,000 visitors over the five days, with a record 169 member galleries participating. Established in 1979 as the country's first art fair, it has long served as a barometer of the Korean art market.
A key trend was the increase in younger and family visitors keen on low- to mid-range priced artworks. Organizers noted a broader base of art consumers, with healthy sales in this segment despite a "cautious buying trend."
Notable sales included an oil painting by figurative painter Lee Moka in the 200 million-won ($134,600) range from Jason Haam gallery; a work by Julian Opie around 90 million won and a sculpture by Kim Yun-shin at 40 million won, both from Kukje Gallery; and three sculptures by Kug Kyung-oh totaling 80 million won from Concreate Gallery.
The event highlights an expanding consumer base in the art market.
