Seoul Design
International Forum
서울디자인국제포럼

Seoul’s Shoe Repair Booths and Street Kiosks Win iF Design Award After First Redesign in 16 Years

- The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “Seoul Standard Design for Sidewalk Commercial Facilities,” developed last year, has received international recognition for its design excellence. - The new design improves both the urban streetscape and pedestrian convenience. Seoul replaced 70 facilities by February and plans to install around 60 additional facilities by the end of the year. - The city will continue collecting feedback from operators and conducting additional demand surveys, while replacing facilities in phases according to its annual plan. - Seoul said, “This award recognizes the competitiveness of K-public design. We will continue creating pedestrian environments that enhance both walking safety and the appeal of the city.”

[Session 2] The Convergence of AI and Design: Organizational Culture, Personalization, and Ethical Leadership

[Kaya Kim] Hello, I'm Kaya Kim, Senior Specialist at Design Center of LG Electronics. Today, I'd like to talk about AI and design from a different perspective than the public or academia, from the perspective of working in a company looking at products and markets.

Seoul Unveils Three Urban-Friendly Smoking Booth Designs Centered on Public Consideration

- The Seoul Metropolitan Government has unveiled three “Seoul-style Smoking Booth” designs to address social conflict and visual disorder caused by unregulated smoking in urban areas. - The booths are available in three types—Open, Semi-Open, and Enclosed—based on citizen feedback and expert consultation, balancing public utility and functional efficiency. - A pilot installation will begin on April 26 at Cheongnyangni Station Square, with official design guidelines to be distributed in May for adoption by local districts and private facilities. - This initiative aims to safeguard public health, enhance the city's aesthetic quality, and improve the overall street environment through thoughtful public design.

[Special Interview] Chris van Duijn

1. What do you think is the ideal urban space in Seoul and why? What’s interesting about Seoul is its diversity and variety, which makes the city truly unique. One notable feature is its proximity to the mountains. On the slopes of the mountains, you’ll find villages with a unique, fine-grained scale and rich texture where people live, work, and dine.

[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.

[Special Interview] Craig Kiner

1. What was it like to return to Korea and visit DDP, a place you personally contributed to designing? It was a pleasure returning to Seoul to attend the Seoul Design International Forum 2024. I was involved with the design, development and construction of DDP over 6 years. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the facility once again. Considering the facility is now10 years since completion, the building has performed well. SDF and SMG have been superb guardians of DDP organising a broad programme of events to ensure the facility remains a key component of the cultural infrastructure and life of Seoul, with art, fashion, music and design at the forefront.