Fostering Young Designers... 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' Held

Online Applications Open from June 1 for One Month
Opportunities to Participate in Exhibitions, Overseas Internships, and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] IKEA Korea announced on the 10th that it will begin accepting applications next month for the 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award,' aimed at nurturing young design talents in Korea.

The Korea+Sweden Young Design Award, jointly organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Korea, the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, and IKEA Korea, is a contest established to promote exchange between Korea and Sweden through design and to raise interest in the design field. Now in its third year, the award operates with a focus on three core values: innovation, sustainability, and a better future.

The theme for 2021 is 'Sustainable Design for a Better Future.' It is expected to highlight the power of design as a driving force to overcome the post-COVID-19 era and the climate change crisis, opening the way to a better future.

The contest is open to designers holding Korean nationality who are 34 years old or younger as of the announcement date (born after May 11, 1986). The competition covers all design fields except food and music. Applications will be accepted from the 1st to the 30th of next month on the official Korea+Sweden Young Design Award website.

Submitted works will be judged by a panel of 10 design experts and opinion leaders from Korea and Sweden, based on creativity, aesthetics, relevance to the theme, and impact.

Results will be announced at the end of August on the official website. Twenty selected participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at the 'Design Korea Festival 2021 (DKfestival 2021)' held in October.

The top three winners will receive various awards to support their growth as global designers, including a design study tour in Sweden (depending on the global COVID-19 situation), prize money, and opportunities for internships at overseas companies. Detailed information is available on the official website.

Jakob Hallgren, Ambassador of Sweden to Korea, said, "We are pleased with the successful hosting of the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award, now in its third year. This is the perfect time to promote innovation and foster a sustainable design industry for the future, in line with Korea’s top priority of green transition."

Yoon Joo-hyun, President of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, said, "We hope the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award will grow and develop into a Nobel Prize-level award in the design world, nurturing designers who contribute to innovation, sustainability, and creating a better future."

Fredrik Johansson, CEO of IKEA Korea, said, "We will continue to inspire young Korean designers to create more sustainable designs and support more people in enjoying sustainable living."