Seoul Design
International Forum
서울디자인국제포럼

[Abstract] Designing Trust: How the iF Design Award Shapes Global Design Culture

Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF International Forum Design GmbH, presents how the iF Design Award is not only a mark of excellence but also a long-term infrastructure that fosters trust, shared values, and international collaboration. The talk explores how design awards shape the expectations of industry, policy, and civil society by reinforcing the cultural and ethical dimensions of design. Drawing on examples from Germany and global design ecosystems, it shows how institutions like iF act as platforms connecting policy, business, education, and the public to generate meaningful societal impact.

[Abstract] Designing Cities for People & Planet: From Vision to Impact

• Brief introduction of our mission at Gehl (Making Cities for People), incl. working for cities and communities to be equitable, healthy and sustainable places for all. • Argue why urban design must shift from infrastructure-led models to human-centered approaches and call for holistic approaches that not only aim at good design of public spaces but also contribute to greater societal goals. • Today a stronger focus on “all life”/our planet the past couple of years to enable climate action and impact, though our approach to planning and design and “old” principles remains the same and are just as relevant today. • Across the world, we’re in a time of poly-crisis (climate change, energy transition, urban security) and since 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities by 2050, we need a new urban approach. • Helle will argue about the need for climate-aligned urbanism and that we at Gehl dare to believe that averting the worst of climate change can bring out the best in cities. • Illustrate how this will impact and change the way residents move, consume and live – with more time in active mobility together, more sharing of resources and more shared spaces.

Monthly <Design> Nov Issue. Toward a City of Empathy and Inclusion, SDIF 2025

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has made continuous efforts to build a city where design serves as a standard for everyday life. Since launching Design Seoul 1.0 in 2009, the city has steadily expanded its design strategies through initiatives such as Design Seoul 2.0. In 2025, Seoul presents a new vision for enhancing the city’s global appeal and charm under the theme “Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life.”

SDIF, : Illuminating the Future of Global Cities through the Philosophy of the “Soft City”

- Seoul Design International Forum to be held on Friday, September 19, under the theme “Designing a Better Global Life” - Mayor Oh Se-hoon to hold a special discussion on “Soft City” with Helle Søholt, CEO&Founding Partner of GEHL, and Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF International Forum Design GmbH - Experts present strategies for urban identity and sustainability, reaffirming Seoul’s global potential as a design city - Citizens participate in the “Design Manifesto,” shaping the forum as a public arena for Seoul’s design future

SDIF 2025 Highlight Video

We are pleased to share the highlight video of the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF 2025), held on September 19, 2025 (Fri) at the Multipurpose Hall of Seoul City Hall. Under the theme “Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life,” global design experts gathered to share insights and discuss Seoul’s design vision and future. Relive the inspiring moments through this video.

A vivid review of the SDIF 2025

The 2025 Seoul Design International Forum I attended recently was an event that gave me tremendous inspiration. It was actually my first time attending this year, so I was curious about what the atmosphere would be like, but once I was there, I realized it is a forum that anyone interested in design should definitely experience.

My Visit to the SDIF 2025

Hello, this is Sseugo! How have your days been lately? I’ve had a pretty busy week in many ways. I went to Mangwon Hangang Park, joined a printing workshop… I was really all over the place. And of course, I can’t leave out the Seoul Design International Forum 2025! (Because I’m a SDIF 2025 supporter!)

Review of My Participation in the SDIF 2025!

Hello! This is Lia, supporter of the Seoul Design International Forum 2025! On September 19, the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF 2025) was held at the Multipurpose Hall in the main building of Seoul City Hall! Event Overview - Date & Time: Friday, September 19, 2025, 13:00–18:00 - Venue: 8F Multipurpose Hall, Seoul City Hall - Theme: Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life - Format: Hybrid (On-site & Online) - Languages: Korean, English (Simultaneous Interpretation Provided)

Keynote Session at the Seoul Design International Forum 2025 – Helle Søholt’s Urban Design Philosophy

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Seoul Design International Forum 2025, an experience that was both educational and inspiring for me as a design student. Among the sessions, the keynote “Urban Design for People and Planet: From Vision to Action” by Helle Søholt, CEO and Co-founder of the global urban design firm GEHL, was especially memorable. She explored how cities can be designed with people and the planet at the center—not just as a concept, but as a practical approach to shaping everyday urban life. Listening to her talk helped me think more deeply about what responsible and forward-looking urban design should look like.

SDIF 2025 Theme Video Full Version

Seoul Design International Forum 2025 – Full version of the theme video. Seoul Design International Forum is a global platform to share the power of design that transforms cities and lives. Your interest and participation are the driving force that leads Seoul to become an even more attractive global design city. In the upcoming SDIF 2026, we will continue the in-depth discussions on sustainability, creative collaboration, and the quality of life.

SDIF 2025 Theme Video Short Version

Seoul Design International Forum 2025 – Short version of the theme video. Seoul Design International Forum is a global platform to share the power of design that transforms cities and lives. Your interest and participation are the driving force that leads Seoul to become an even more attractive global design city. In the upcoming SDIF 2026, we will continue the in-depth discussions on sustainability, creative collaboration, and the quality of life.

Seoul Design International Forum 2025✨: Attractive City of Seoul - Designing a Better Global Life (Event Information)

Hello! Here’s some exciting news for those interested in design, cities, and a sustainable future. The Seoul Design International Forum 2025 will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, in the Multipurpose Hall, 8th floor of Seoul City Hall. This forum will be a gathering to share visions and strategies for leading Seoul as a world-class design city, bringing together renowned speakers and experts from Korea and abroad. We’re truly looking forward to it!

Where to go this September? Let’s explore the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum! (Program & Speaker Information / Pre-registration Link)

Hello, this is Sseugo! Today, I’d like to introduce you to the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum. Just like I always check the table of contents before diving into a book, I prefer to glance through the overview before joining an event. So, as one of the official supporters of the 2025 Seoul Design International Forum, I’ve put together all the key information for you!

Design Next: Rewriting the Language of Cities, Seoul Design International Forum 2025

Hello! I’m Nayoung Kwak, supporter of the Seoul Design International Forum 2025! The urban landscape changes with time, but Seoul is leading this transformation through design. From small street signs to large-scale urban spaces, and even to the way people live, design has become more than just an aesthetic element — it is the language of the city and the key to shaping the future.

Highlight of September: Seoul Design International Forum 2025 – Pre-Registration Now Open!

Hello! I’m Lia, supporter of the Seoul Design International Forum 2025. This September, the 6th Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF 2025) will be held, bringing together experts from Korea and abroad, along with diverse stakeholders, to discuss creative visions and design blueprints for a sustainable Seoul and enhanced urban competitiveness.

[Invitation] Invitation from Speaker, Lorenzo IMBESI

Lorenzo Imbesi, a speaker at the Seoul Design International Forum 2025, is a Professor at Sapienza University of Rome and President of the Cumulus Association, the leading global network of design education. In his presentation, he will explore how design education networks foster collaboration and drive innovation across global cities. He will highlight the evolution of design from an individual practice to a collective cultural infrastructure, sharing Italian examples of participatory design that bridge tradition and innovation.

[Invitation] Invitation from Keynote Speaker, Helle SØHOLT

This is a special invitation message from Helle Søholt, keynote speaker of the Seoul Design International Forum 2025. As the CEO and Founding Partner of Gehl, she will share her perspectives on the future of Seoul and global cities through the lens of design. A world-renowned urban design expert who has led the transformation toward people-centered cities, Helle Søholt delivers a warm greeting and message as the keynote speaker of the Forum.

Monthly <Design> Sep Issue. The Charm of Cities Told by Designers: SDIF 2025

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has made continuous efforts to build a city where design becomes a standard for everyday life. Starting with “Design Seoul 1.0” in 2009, the city expanded its strategies through “Design Seoul 2.0” and various design policies. Now, in 2025, Seoul presents a new vision for enhancing the city’s global appeal and charm through the theme “Attractive City of Seoul: Designing a Better Global Life.”