As the creative heart of Seoul and a global hub for the design industry, the Seoul Design Foundation (SDF) was established in 2008. Operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the foundation is headquartered at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
The foundation’s mission goes beyond promoting the design industry — it aims to enhance the value of the city and enrich citizens’ lives through design. Guided by its vision, “Design for a Better World,” the Seoul Design Foundation integrates design into various aspects of urban life — including public spaces, transportation, and the environment — to create a safer, more aesthetic city.
The foundation also supports the design industry by helping small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and young designers grow and expand globally. Additionally, it promotes design culture through exhibitions, workshops, forums, and educational programs that encourage citizen participation. Through global collaboration with major design organizations and cities, the foundation continues to strengthen Seoul’s competitiveness and international design network.
In 2025, the Seoul Design Foundation successfully hosted one of its largest international events, the Seoul Design Award 2025. This global competition stands alongside prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award (Germany), IDEA Design Award (USA), Good Design Award (Japan), A’ Design Award (Italy), and D&AD Award (UK). While these awards typically focus on industrial achievements like product, graphic, and branding design, the Seoul Design Award distinguishes itself as the only global platform dedicated to “Sustainability” and “Social Value Creation.”
Far more than a conventional competition, the Seoul Design Award is recognized as the world’s only international award centered on sustainable design. Its core mission is to identify and share creative design solutions that address global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and urban environmental issues.
This year’s event made history by introducing the world’s first “Live Judging” system, where participants presented their designs in person and judges conducted real-time evaluations. Citizens also joined the process both on-site and online, making the judging experience open, transparent, and participatory. This innovative approach has positioned the Seoul Design Award as a new model in the global design community.
Building on this success, the Seoul Design Foundation is now emerging as a driving force in promoting Seoul as a “Design City” on the global stage. Moving forward, the foundation aims to realize the vision of a “Sustainable Seoul” by addressing environmental issues, enhancing social inclusion, and integrating technology with art.
The Seoul Design Award 2025 is not merely an awards ceremony — it is a symbol of collaboration among designers, citizens, and the city itself. It demonstrates that Seoul stands at the forefront of the global design movement, creating a sustainable and inspiring future through design.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
