Designers from around the world are showcasing in Seoul innovations built to address social problems, from the environment and health to mobility access. Visitors can view works that add new value to daily life, see the results of collaborations between young designers and companies, and explore design landmarks across the city.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Design Foundation opened the 2026 Seoul Design Week on the 14th at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul, launching a 12-day run. Held under the theme "Design Recipe," the event features exhibitions, conferences and design markets at the DDP and across Seoul through Oct. 25. About 250 people attended the opening ceremony, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon along with designers and design company officials from Korea and abroad.
The Seoul Design Award, now in its seventh year, drew a record 1,204 projects from 91 countries, about 16 times the number submitted in its first year. The 10 finalists include designs addressing social and environmental problems, such as artificial coral reefs to restore marine ecosystems, an infant warmer for newborns in areas with limited medical access, and a platform for wheelchair users to share mobility information. The grand prize will be decided by combining the judges' evaluations with a public vote.
Exhibitions highlighting the industrial potential of design are also on offer. The DDP Design Fair, running at the DDP Art Hall through Oct. 18, features 79 lifestyle brands. Twenty teams of university student designers, totaling about 100 people, are presenting work created with companies including Hyundai Motor. Among the highlights are a home wellness robot and future living environment developed by Hongik University with Hyundai Motor, and products made from currency byproducts developed by Seoul National University of Science and Technology with the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation.
Conferences bringing together design experts from Korea and abroad follow, with discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainable design and the global competitiveness of K-design. On Oct. 18, speakers include Maria Porro, president of Salone del Mobile, and Mauro Porcini, chief design officer at Samsung Electronics.
The festival extends beyond the DDP to the rest of Seoul. The Seoul Design Road links 150 design landmarks across five areas: Dongdaemun, Seongsu, Yeonhui, Seochon and Apgujeong. Outdoors at the DDP, design markets will be held Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25, with 200 sellers offering household goods and fashion accessories.
"We will support young designers so their creative challenges lead to industrial growth and changes in citizens' lives, and we will develop Seoul into a global design capital," Oh said.