Overview

This award is given to designers, organizations, or companies whose projects have
contributed to a sustainable daily life that aims for a harmonious relationship between
people, society and the environment.

In 2010, Seoul was designated a City of Design
by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network,
a program initiated to support the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
This designation marked the beginning of
Seoul's journey towards a sustainable future
through collaborative design
efforts among cities.

Since being designated a City of Design by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and selected as a the World Design Capital in 2010, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has successfully hosted numerous major design events. Beyond that, it has actively leveraged design to address social issues and contribute to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with these efforts, the SMG and Seoul Design Foundation has been hosting the Seoul Design Award, an international award now in its sixth edition, since 2019. It recognizes designers who use creativity to tackle everyday challenges and foster harmonious, sustainable relationships between people, society, and the environment.

Each year, designers from over 80 countries, aiming to drive social change through design, submit their work to the Seoul Design Award. A panel of 32 design leaders from more than 20 countries serves as juries, providing valuable feedback. Recognized by international design experts, the Seoul Design Award is the world’s only public design award dedicated to sustainable daily life.

We look forward to welcoming many participants to Seoul Design Award 2025, which celebrates and supports designers with creative solutions for a better daily life.

Seoul Design Award 2025