Seoul Design
International Forum
서울디자인국제포럼

Fun Design Rest Area “Handeul Handeul” Wins at the Red Dot Design Award

- Seoul’s Fun Design rest area “Handeul Handeul” has been named a Winner at the Red Dot Design Award 2026. - First unveiled at Seoul Plaza in 2025, the project has gained international recognition for both its design excellence and public value. - The rest area will be permanently operated at the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show in Seoul Forest, becoming a signature everyday relaxation space for citizens. - Marking the third year of the project, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will continue to expand public rest areas so that more citizens can experience the benefits in their daily lives.

Seoul Launches Collaborative Products Featuring “Seoul Color,” Expanding Morning Yellow Across Living, Fashion Accessories, and Stationery

- 13 products launched in collaboration with 11 brands, including Noroo Paint, KCC, LG Chem, and Monami - Everyday items such as pens, caps, bags, and towels bring Seoul Color into citizens’ daily lives - Products to be released sequentially through online and offline channels, including the DDP Design Store and each brand’s official mall - Collaborations using eco-friendly materials to expand, with plans to extend the use of Seoul Color into the K-beauty sector in the future

Seoul Forest Welcome Garden Opens: Families, Couples, and Friends Gather for a Little “Sky Fun”

- Following last year’s installation at Boramae Park, the Seoul Forest Welcome Garden is set to become a new urban healing space for citizens. - Framed by overlapping layers, the garden opens up scenic views of the sky, offering a restful place in the city to pause and enjoy quiet “sky-gazing.” - With a flexible layout, including movable bench facilities, the space can also serve as a multipurpose cultural plaza for busking, workshops, and other programs. - Featuring Seoul’s 2026 Color, “Morning Yellow,” the garden creates a distinctive nighttime landscape through light and is expected to become a symbolic landmark of the fair.

Seoul’s Integrated Transportation Brand “GO SEOUL” Sweeps Design Awards, Emerging as a New Urban Icon

- “Go Seoul,” Seoul’s integrated transportation brand, has won three major design awards: Germany’s Red Dot Design Award, the U.S. Good Design Award, and the German Design Award. - The brand was highly recognized for its broad connectivity and scalability, linking Seoul’s city buses, subway, Hangang Bus, and Ttareungi public bikes under one unified identity. - Seoul will expand the application of the integrated brand, strengthen domestic and international promotion, and continue enhancing the brand by reflecting citizen feedback. - The city stated, “We will develop Go Seoul into an urban icon that represents Seoul’s world-class transportation system.”

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.”

[Abstract] Design with 10%

<Bridging the Gap of Experience> The gap of experience refers to the disparity that arises in the process of using products and services when designers and users come from different backgrounds and life experiences. Can a designer ever fully understand the user? If it were a product made solely for oneself, perhaps it would be possible. However, in designs intended for others—especially for the majority—it is almost impossible for a designer to completely understand all users. The smaller the experience gap, the higher the level of user satisfaction. This is because the better a designer understands the user’s circumstances and context, the more accurately they can create what the user truly needs. Conversely, when the gap is large, it is difficult to satisfy users. Therefore, the designer’s goal must be to reduce the gap of experience.

[Abstract] Design by Community: Advocating for Community Power in New York City Government

Deana Yu is the Assistant Director of New York City’s Service Design Studio: the United States’ first municipal team dedicated to improving services for low-income residents. As a team within the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Yu will reflect on the Studio’s unique role in advocating for service design in city government. Yu will introduce participatory design as a foundational tool for civic innovation. From co-creating public services with marginalized communities to reimagining government communications, she shows how design can build more equitable and responsive city systems.

[Abstract] Design Connecting People, Cities, and the Future: Focusing on Seoul’s Design Policies

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has implemented “people-centered design” that citizens can tangibly experience in their daily lives, and “creative design” that enhances the city’s attractiveness and global competitiveness. Looking ahead, it aims to advance toward “future-oriented design,” opening new pathways to address the pressing global challenges of climate change, digital transformation, and shifting lifestyles.

[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.

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)

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!