‘Design Korea’ was the motto of ‘The 1st Industrial Design Promotion Competition’ held in 1999. After successfully hosting the International Council of Graphic Design Association (ICOGRADA) and the International Council of Industrial Design (ICSID), ‘Design Korea’ went beyond the motto to become an identity of Korean Design. And in 2003, the 1st Design Korea, a national design industry exposition, began. It was held in Beijing in 2004, followed by one in 2006 and another in 2008 in Guangzhou in the name of ‘Design Korea’. For a regionally-balanced development of design, Design Korea was held in Incheon, Daegu and Gwangju. It was also held as a festival to be enjoyed by all citizens.

In 2025, Design Korea will celebrate its 23th anniversary. Design Korea has gone through various roles and transformations – and will move on to grow as an innovative design business platform of Korea.

WDO Member: Korea Institute of Design Promotion