Hosted by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP), Design Korea 2025 is Korea’s premier design fair, showcasing cutting-edge trends in AI and digital transformation. Held from November 12–16, 2025, at COEX Hall D, Seoul, this event fosters innovation, networking, and business opportunities for companies, designers, and visitors.
For Professional Designers and Design Companies
Event Highlights
- Themed Pavilion: Explore design trends shaping the future of AI and DX.
- Corporate Pavilion: Showcase your products/services and connect with buyers through B2B meetings.
- International Conference: Engage with global design leaders on pressing industry topics.
- Priority Benefits: Gain access to B2B matching programs, networking events, and opportunities to present at “Design Talks.”
Who Can Participate?
- Leading Companies:
- Businesses with established design-related products, services, or content.
- Examples: Corporations producing consumer goods (electronics, furniture, fashion), technology firms with innovative design solutions, or companies offering design-driven services (e.g., UX/UI, branding).
- Goal: Showcase their offerings, connect with potential buyers/partners, and strengthen brand visibility in the Korean and global markets.
- Overseas Design Companies:
- International firms seeking to enter or expand into the Korean market.
- Examples: Global design studios, product manufacturers, or tech companies looking to establish partnerships or explore Korean consumer trends.
- Goal: Gain exposure to Korean businesses and consumers, build networks with local firms, and understand market demands through B2B meetings and exhibitions.
- Specialized Design Companies and Studios:
- Smaller or niche firms focusing on specific design disciplines.
- Examples: Product design studios, graphic design agencies, digital design firms (e.g., app or web design), or industrial design consultancies.
- Goal: Promote their expertise, attract clients or collaborators, and showcase innovative portfolios to stand out in a competitive market.
- Organizations and Institutions Related to the Design Industry or Culture:
- Non-commercial entities involved in design education, promotion, or cultural initiatives.
- Examples: Design schools, museums, cultural foundations, or government agencies supporting design innovation.
- Goal: Share knowledge, exhibit design-related initiatives, and connect with industry stakeholders to foster design culture and collaboration.
Opportunities for Companies/Organizations:
- Exhibition in Corporate Pavilion: Display products, services, or content in customized booths (Independent or Shell Scheme) to attract buyers, investors, and partners.
- B2B Networking: Participate in tailored business matching programs to connect with domestic and international buyers, fostering partnerships or sales.
- Promotion and Visibility: Benefit from marketing support through the event’s website, social media, newsletters, and media coverage (domestic and international).
- Discounted Fees: Eligible participants (e.g., Good Design Award winners, past Design Korea exhibitors, or KIDP-recognized firms) can receive discounts of up to 50% on booth fees.
- Innovative Booth Recognition: Compete for visitor-voted awards for innovative booth designs, which offer promotional benefits and potential discounts for future events.
- Access to International Conference: Engage with global design leaders to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in AI and DX-driven design.
Application Details for Companies
| Category | 1st Early Bird (20% Discount) | 2nd Early Bird (10% Discount) | Regular Registration |
| Application Period | Until May 30, 2025 | June 2 – July 31, 2025 | August 1 – September 30, 2025 |
| Review Period | June 3 – June 10, 2025 | August 1 – August 8, 2025 | October 10 – October 17, 2025 |
Application Details for Designers (Job Fair Pavilion)
- Application Period: Mid-June – August 31, 2025
- Review Period: September 2025
- Fee: Free
- Submission Requirements:
- Completed Designer Application Form.
- 5 work images (JPG/TIF, <10MB each, optional if submitting portfolio).
- Portfolio (PDF, <10MB, up to 5 pages).
- Submission Email: designkorea@kidp.or.kr
For General Visitors
Why Attend Design Korea 2025?
- Discover innovative designs and trends in AI and digital transformation.
- Explore exhibits from leading companies, startups, and emerging designers.
- Attend the International Conference to hear from global design experts.
- Vote for innovative booths and engage with interactive displays.
Event Details
- Dates: November 12–16, 2025
- Venue: COEX Hall D, Seoul, South Korea
- Part of Korea Design Festival (KDF): A month-long celebration of design across Seoul.
Visitor Benefits
- Free access to the Themed Pavilion and Government Support Achievement Pavilion.
- Opportunities to meet designers and companies showcasing their work.
- Engage with design culture through exhibitions and talks.
Event Schedule
- June–July 2025: Early bird registration for companies; designer applications open.
- August–September 2025: Regular registration for companies.
- Early October 2025: Briefing session and booth lottery.
- November 10–11, 2025: Booth setup.
- November 12–16, 2025: Exhibition and programs.
- November 16, 2025 (Afternoon): Booth dismantling.
Why Participate?
- For Companies/Organizations: Design Korea 2025 offers a platform to showcase innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and tap into the Korean market, supported by robust promotional and networking opportunities.
- For Designers: The event provides a cost-free opportunity to gain visibility, connect with industry leaders, and advance careers or entrepreneurial ventures in a dynamic design ecosystem.
- For All: As part of the Korea Design Festival, participants engage with a global audience, explore AI and DX trends, and contribute to shaping the future of design.
For more details or to apply, visit the official website at design.co.kr/kdf/design-korea or contact designkorea@kidp.or.kr.
