Seoul Design
International Forum
서울디자인국제포럼

Seoul to Promote Nationwide Collaboration with Metropolitan Governments through Design

- Seoul to provide its design development expertise and outputs to metropolitan governments across Korea - Support initiatives include matching design advisory groups, participation in development processes, provision of iF Design Award-winning "Fun Design Chairs," and joint project development - Applications open until Friday, May 16th, 2025 - Initiative aims to promote a governance model for the social co-utilization of Seoul’s design assets

Seoul Expands Its "Design Companionship" Initiative to Other Metropolitan Cities

- On March 27th (Thursday), Seoul signed an agreement with Busan, launching intercity collaboration through the "Design Seoul" initiative. - The two cities will share accumulated design assets, capabilities, and policies to seek solutions to urban challenges through design. -A joint workshop will be held in Busan from March 27th to 28th, featuring expert presentations, keynote lectures, and participation by public officials. - "Through continued exchange and cooperation with Busan, we will lead innovation in urban design," Seoul city officials stated.

Seoul Launches Unified Public Transportation Brand ‘GO SEOUL’ - Set to Become an Icon of the City

- Applicable to four modes of transportation covered by the Climate Companion Card: buses, subways, public bikes (Ddareungi), and Han River buses - ‘GO’ combined with the infinity symbol (∞) symbolizes the endlessly connected and evolving nature of Seoul’s transport - Expected to serve both as a symbol of convenience for citizens and a representative icon of the city, akin to the London Roundel - Mayor Oh: “GO SEOUL will play a key role in enhancing Seoul’s design-driven identity and global competitiveness.”

Mayor Oh Se-hoon's design-driven approach is making Seoul an even more appealing city on the global stage.

A Global Forum was held to enhance the value of Seoul's design initiative led by Mayor Oh Se-hoon and explore the role and future development direction of Seoul as a world design capital and a leading design city. World-renowned design experts, including Dr. Prof. Peter Zec, CEO of Red Dot, and Craig Kiner, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, who designed DDP, emphasized the role of design in shaping a sustainable urban future.

SDIF 2024 Sketch Video

This is a sketch video capturing the vibrant scenes of the 2024 Seoul International Design Forum.

[Special Discussion] Landmarks, the Engine of Urban Competitiveness

[Chair] We are joined by three key figures closely associated with the design city Seoul and its central hub, DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza). DDP has now undoubtedly become a global landmark. First, we have Mayor Oh Se-hoon of Seoul, who oversees the city’s transformation into an attractive design-centered metropolis, including the establishment of DDP. Next, we are joined by Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, Chairman of Red Dot, who officially designated Seoul as the World Design Capital in 2010 during his role as the founding chair of WDC. Lastly, we have Craig Kiner, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, who was the lead architect of the DDP project.

[Keynote Session 1] The Spirit of Success – Designing the Urban Quality of Life

[Prof. Dr. Peter Zec] Urbanization and City Challenges I'm happy to return to Seoul, a city I've known well since the late 1980s. This familiarity brings me here today to reflect on the DDP and World Design Capital Project outcomes. Urban populations continue to grow globally - 57% of people now live in cities worldwide, with developed nations showing even higher percentages: Japan at 92%, the US at 83%, Korea at 81%, and Germany at 77%. By 2050, this is expected to reach 68% globally. Cities attract people with their facilities, lifestyle, and entertainment options. However, cities face significant challenges. Climate change impacts are evident - from recent floods in Spain to Seoul's challenges with the Han River during heavy rains. While politicians may favor electric cars, they likely won't resolve our clean energy and air pollution concerns. Seoul leads in smart mobility, with what the mayor describes as the world's benchmark metro system. While modern cities increasingly use surveillance, it should focus on safety and urban understanding rather than tracking individuals as seen in Chinese cities.

[Keynote Session 2] Service Design for the Desirable Cities – Smart Living through Design

[Birgit Mager] What Makes Cities Desirable? When we consider desirable cities, urban design and aesthetics - which we discussed extensively in the morning session - are crucial elements. This includes architecture, planning, public spaces, and historic preservation. However, these aspects alone don't complete the picture. A truly desirable city encompasses multiple dimensions. We must consider livability, economic opportunity, and sustainability. Infrastructure and mobility play vital roles, alongside community and social cohesion. Culture and lifestyle shape the city's character, while education and innovation drive its future. Resilience ensures its longevity, and governance and leadership guide its development. All these aspects can be addressed through design, particularly service design - a field I began teaching in 1995 when it was entirely new. Over the past 30 years, I've had the privilege of experimenting with, framing, and expanding this field until it became what we might call "the new normal" in many organizations and governments worldwide.

Seoul Enhances Urban Aesthetics by Integrating Art Across the City

- Creation of "Attractive Fences" featuring illustrations around long-term construction sites, such as Aeogae Station and the Namsan Gondola project. - Works by renowned illustrators like Subsub, CUNA, and Glory showcased. - Collaboration with L’Oréal Korea to display artworks by disabled artists on the covers of Seoul-style street trash bins. - The city remarked, “We aim to highlight Seoul's charm by incorporating art into urban spaces. Look forward to various street installations at the end of the year and the start of the next.”

Seoul City: Combating Isolation for Single-Person Households through Space Design such as Sharing Warehouses, Community Kitchens, and Creative Workshops

- Development and implementation of <Ma-eum Maru>, a community space aimed at alleviating the sense of isolation among middle-aged and older single-person households. - Charming space design reinterpreting the nostalgic feel of schools; the first location is the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center. - A leisure-oriented community space fostering hospitality, respect, learning, achievement, and loose connections. - Seoul City is committed to building social networks for single-person households … Experience the transformative "power" of space.

Reborn as a Vibrant Play Space for All Generations... 'Seongsu 1 Play Park' Opens

- On Monday the 16th, the Second Edition of Seoul’s Active Design Landmark… A New Play Space Offering Daily Vitality and Fun - A Circular Walking Trail for All Generations to Enjoy, Offering Dynamic Experiences While Strolling Along the ‘Wave-shaped Hill’ - Designed with Citizen Safety as the Top Priority… Features Include Slip-resistant Surfaces, Gentle Slopes, and Accessibility for Mobility-impaired Individuals - The City Aims to Create an ‘Attractive and Healthy Space’ Offering Fun and Unique Experiences Year-round.

SDIF 2024 <Forum Participation Experience>

This is Minseon Kim, a Supporter for the 2024 Seoul International Design Forum! The 2024 Seoul International Design Forum kicked off with an opening speech by Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul. In his remarks, he shared the journey Seoul has taken to become a global design city.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A Hub for Art, Design, and Exhibitions

What is Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)? DDP was designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It serves as a space where design trends are shared, promoted, and initiated. It also provides a platform for cultural exchange, offering visitors diverse and enriching experiences.

"How can design change the city?"… Pre-registration opens for the 'Seoul International Design Forum’

"How can design change the city?"… Pre-registration opens for the 'Seoul International Design Forum’ - The city will host the '2024 Seoul Design International Forum' on November 27th (Wed) at DDP, with renowned domestic and international speakers. - Peter Zec, Founder and CEO of Red Dot GmbH & Co. KG, and Birgit Mager, President of the Service Design Network, will be among the speakers. - A special discussion between Seoul Mayor Oh, Se-hoon and international invited speakers will be held on the theme of 'Landmarks, the Engine of Urban Competitiveness.' - Pre-registration starts on November 7th (Thu), and anyone interested in design is welcome to participate. - The city expects this to be a meaningful opportunity to contemplate and discuss the power and role of design together.

How about a run after work? The Runner's Station inside Yeouinaru Station, a hot place for runners, is now open!

Hello! This is Seo ballgeum, the supporters of the 2024 Seoul Design International Forum! Running is really becoming super popular these days! You can see it being discussed in a fun way on TV shows, and since it doesn't require much equipment—just some simple workout clothes—it’s an easy and convenient exercise for many people to enjoy. Running is definitely on the rise as a favorite activity for a lot of people now!

Picnic Pool Experience in Ichon Hangang Park for Everyone

Are you aware of the 2024 Seoul Design International Forum happening on November 27th (Wednesday)? The forum will be held under the theme "Designing the City of the Future: The Future of Sustainable Cities and Design," focusing on urban design for the city of Seoul and its citizens.

Enjoying Hangang Park with a light, breezy hammock and a shaded chair

Hello! I'm *Chwieopppogaegi*, a supporter for the 2024 Seoul Design International Forum. In this post, I’d like to introduce the Ttukseom Hanul Hanul Hammock and shaded chairs. Have you heard of the Hanul Hanul Hammock? It’s part of a fun design space created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, located in Ttukseom Hangang Park, which will be the venue for the Seoul International Garden Show 2024. This "Hanul Hanul" space was designed with fun design elements and offers a unique resting area. It uses the park’s landscape and net materials to create a hammock-style resting space. "Seoul's Fun Design" aims to bring new discoveries, joyful communication, and sensory enjoyment to citizens' daily lives, making the city more vibrant and attractive by providing fresh and engaging experiences.

Enjoy a leisurely garden city on a hammock and net chair at Ttukseom 'haneulhaneul'!

- A hammock-style resting area made with net material will make its debut at the Seoul International Garden Show 2024 for the autumn season. - Modular fun designs, allowing citizens to experience them in their daily lives, will be implemented at Ttukseom Hangang Park until October 31st. - With flexible facilities that can be installed in various locations, it is expected that people can fully enjoy the leisurely autumn atmosphere in the garden. - The city will continue to develop and expand fun designs so that more citizens and tourists can experience them.