Korea-Sweden-IKEA, Exchange Through Design... Youth Designer Development Contest

'2025 Korea+Sweden Young Design Awards'
Applications open until March 17... Benefits include a study tour in Sweden

The 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' is being held to encourage design exchange between Korea and Sweden and to nurture young designers.

The Korea Institute of Design Promotion, IKEA Korea, and the Embassy of Sweden in Korea announced on the 7th that they will hold the 5th 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award.' This event is a contest organized through the collaboration of the three institutions to further activate exchanges between Korea and Sweden through design and to raise interest in the design field.

Since 2019, it has been held based on the core values of 'innovation, sustainability, and a better future,' serving as a platform for discovering and exchanging young designers in Korea. This year, under the theme of 'Space and Interior Design for the Future,' the contest will be conducted through online submissions on the official website from February 20 to March 17.

A judging panel consisting of 10 design experts from Korea and Sweden will evaluate the entries through three rounds (document review, physical evaluation, and presentation) based on criteria such as creativity, aesthetics, relevance to the theme, and impact. Three grand prize winners will receive various support benefits, including a design study tour in Sweden.

Yoon Sang-heum, President of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, said, "This theme offers young designers a great opportunity to contemplate future lifestyles and living spaces," adding, "We will continue to strive to help promising designers gain meaningful experiences based on design exchanges between Korea and Sweden."

Carl-Ulf Andersson, Ambassador of Sweden to Korea, stated, "Since both countries share a deep consensus in design and innovation, we look forward to the active participation of young talents who conceive innovative solutions that meet the demands of rapidly changing modern society."

Isabel Fucci, CEO of IKEA Korea, said, "We hope this contest provides young Korean designers with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and explore innovative ideas that harmonize with a sustainable environment."