Gallery Director, Frieze House Seoul

Frieze is the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art, dedicated to artists, galleries, collectors and art lovers alike. Frieze comprises three magazines – frieze, Frieze Masters Magazine and Frieze Week – and seven international art fairs – Frieze London, Frieze Masters, Frieze New York, Frieze Los Angeles, Frieze Seoul, The Armory Show and EXPO Chicago. Legacy art fair brands The Armory Show and EXPO Chicago were acquired by Frieze in September 2023. In October 2021, Frieze also launched No.9 Cork Street, a permanent space for visiting international galleries in the heart of Mayfair, London.

About the Role

Launching in Autumn 2025, Frieze House Seoul will host short-term exhibitions and projects from the world’s leading galleries, providing a flexible, collaborative environment for them to connect with Frieze’s established network of collectors, curators and art world professionals year-round. The Gallery Director is responsible for the growth of Frieze House Seoul, through building relationships with key galleries and developing a private hire strategy in collaboration with the partnerships team, selling the different spaces available to reach set revenue targets, whilst ensuring the quality of the year-round programme. The Gallery Director is also responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of Frieze House Seoul, including the production, financial and administrative management, as well as the coordination of all the events and exhibitions taking place in the space, supported by the Gallery Assistant.

Note: This position requires weekend and evening work, with a flexible working schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and reach out to potential galleries to encourage their application to Frieze House Seoul; maintain year-round contacts.
• Ensure full exhibition occupancy and venue utilization, working closely with the leadership team.
• Develop and oversee venue hire packages and pricing options.
• Cultivate pool of galleries to generate interest and close sales.
• Be the primary point of contact for galleries.
• Respond to all enquiries and produce bespoke proposals.
• Manage application launch, process and analysis.
• Release application results.
• Liaise with accepted galleries on every aspect of their participation.
• Drive effective promotion and audience engagement initiatives.

Exhibition Management

• Oversee the smooth execution of all exhibitions and events, including set up, dismantling, locking up, catering, and temp staff.
• Coordinate the gallery programme calendar, installations, de-installations and events.
• Oversee the Frieze House Seoul mailbox.
• Develop and implement operational guidelines and protocols.
• Ensure high standards of service for galleries, visitors, and stakeholders.
• Oversee security, insurance, and health & safety requirements.

Facilities & Building Maintenance

• Oversee the smooth running of the gallery space ensuring the space is presentable at all times and any issues with the building are rectified in a timely manner.

Finance & Administration

• Keep track of finances across all areas of Frieze House Seoul.
• Monitor annual revenue targets, reporting to Director, Frieze Seoul quarterly.
• Oversee all invoicing, payments, petty cash and other expenditures.
• Build set of written procedures for the running of the space.
• Direct tenants to the right resources regarding shipping and customs.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.

Liaison with Frieze Teams

• Work closely with key teams within the company including Communications, Marketing, Events, Partnerships and Exhibitor Relations to ensure Frieze House Seoul is integrated into business practices and provide regular updates on developments to relevant teams.
• Coordinate regular updates and strategic discussions with the management team across Seoul and London.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in exhibition management, commercial gallery operations or art fairs at a senior level.
• Outstanding customer service and enthusiasm for sales.
• Strong background in business development, revenue generation, and client engagement.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial oversight, and contract management.
• A good knowledge of, and familiarity with, current visual arts practice and the contemporary arts sector.
• Experience delivering projects in complex environments with multiple stakeholders and overlapping timelines.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Fluency in Korean and English (spoken and written).
• Proficiency in IT systems, documentation, and software (Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign, etc).
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and detail-oriented with a strong ability to work both independently and within a team.