Gateway for young aspiring artists: 2025 ASYAAF

The works of young, aspiring artists are on display here in Seoul.. as they seek to establish a firm foothold in the world of art.

Our Ahn Sung-jin spoke to a few of them.

Hidden artistic talent is now in the spotlight.

Here at the 2025 Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival, more than 5-hundred artists have put up their work.

Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, ASYAAF is Asia’s largest festival for young artists.

It features contributions from across Asia, including Taiwan, Singapore and Japan.

“With more than one thousand art works on display, the exhibition provides a glimpse into the creativity and dedication of these young artists.”

"I first got to know about this exhibition when I was in college, and back then I thought one day I will also showcase my artwork. This is my first ever exhibition so I've put a lot of effort into it."

For a lot of young new artists, ASYAAF is a stepping stone to a bigger stage to showcase their artwork to the public.

"Until now I've only submitted work as a group, but I wanted to experience the larger world so I ended up participating in this art fair with the dream of becoming an artist. I'm still a bit nervous, but I'm so happy that I can display my own work in a space like this."

And it's the vibrant energy and passion that attracts visitors to the exhibition every year.

"I'm coming here almost every year with my friend, and I like how I can see a variety of young artists and their artwork."

"I've started coming here after my friend introduced me. Since these artists are young, I think I get a lot of energy from them and it's also refreshing to see them."

This year's ASYAAF is being hosted at Culture Station Seoul 284, the former Seoul Station building which celebrates its 100th anniversary

The exhibition is divided into 8 different concepts such as departure and arrival, destination and transit and other themes linked to train travel.

"For a lot of these young artists, they're just starting their career, and I think ASYAAF acts as a gateway for these artists. We get attention for nurturing these artists who come out to continue great work."

The exhibition runs until September 7th, and not only gives visitors a chance to appreciate the artwork but also interact with these rising stars of the art world, so why not go and check it out.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.