Gladstone Gallery is set to relocate its Seoul branch to the vibrant Hannam-dong neighborhood later this year, significantly enhancing its exhibition space. This new venue, designed by Minsuk Cho from the local firm Mass Studies, will occupy two floors of the 739-28 Hannam Building located in Yongsan, conveniently situated near Pace Gallery and the Leeum Museum of Art.
The grand opening is anticipated for late summer, just in time for Frieze Seoul in September. The inaugural exhibition will feature the works of Ed Atkins, marking his debut solo show in the city.
Max Falkenstein, a senior partner at Gladstone, emphasized the gallery's commitment to a global perspective, stating, "This new space marks a significant milestone for the gallery and strengthens our international platform, allowing us to connect with leading institutions and art lovers around the world."
Originally launched in Seoul's Gangnam district in 2022, Gladstone was part of a broader trend of Western galleries establishing a presence in Asia, coinciding with the inaugural Frieze Seoul. Over the last four years, the gallery has showcased solo exhibitions from prominent artists including Ugo Rondinone and Joan Jonas, solidifying its role as a flagship for Gladstone in Asia.
This expansion is designed to bolster Gladstone's influence in the region, with plans to increase participation in key art fairs such as PhotoFairs Shanghai and Art Busan, alongside ongoing involvement in Art Basel Hong Kong and Frieze Seoul. Paula Tsai, a partner at Gladstone, remarked, "Our new space in Seoul allows us to further strengthen the relationships we have built with collectors, curators, and museums across the region while continuing to support our artists' engagement with audiences throughout Asia."
This strategic move not only enhances Gladstone's footprint in the Asian art market but also reflects a growing recognition of the region's significance in the global art landscape.