'Design Miami' Holds First Exhibition in Asia at DDP, Showcasing Works by 71 Designers from Korea and Abroad

Asia's First "Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design" Exhibition
Open at Dongdaemun Design Plaza Until September 14
Featuring 12 International and 4 Domestic Galleries
Showcasing Around 170 Works by 71 Designers

The Seoul Design Foundation, in collaboration with the global design platform Design Miami, is hosting the exhibition "Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design" at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Igan Su Gate Exhibition Hall until September 14.

Exhibition view of "Illuminated A Spotlight on Korean Design" opened at the Igan Su Gate Exhibition Hall in Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Seoul Design Foundation

This exhibition marks the first time Design Miami has presented an exhibition in Asia, focusing on the originality of Korean design and highlighting key designers who have shaped the landscape of collectible design. A total of 12 international galleries, 4 domestic galleries, and 71 designers are participating, presenting around 170 works. The exhibition spotlights the delicacy and intuition of Korean design, as well as its creative contributions to global trends, ranging from deep-rooted traditional crafts to experiments with modern materials.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the "Design Talk: Illuminated, A Spotlight on Korean Design" program will be held on September 2 at the DDP Jandi Sarangbang. The program consists of four sessions and features major domestic and international panelists, including Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, and participating designer Choi Byounghoon. Topics to be discussed include: the creativity of Korea and the collectible design market from a global perspective; Korean designers gaining international attention; the cultural significance of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize; and global trends shaping contemporary K-Design.

Exhibition view of 'Illuminated A Spotlight on Korean Design' opened at the Igan Su Gate Exhibition Hall in Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Seoul Design Foundation

Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, stated, "It is an honor to hold this exhibition in an iconic building designed by Zaha Hadid, who was awarded Designer of the Year at the inaugural Design Miami fair in 2005, twenty years ago. We look forward to seeing domestic and international design communities meet and interact in the multi-layered and dynamic city of Seoul."

Cha Kanghee, CEO of the Seoul Design Foundation, said, "The fact that Korean designers are establishing their own territory in the global design market proves the globalization of K-Design. This exhibition supports such changes and serves as an important starting point to position Seoul as the design hub of Asia."

During Design Miami, various events such as "Design & Art," "Seoul Light DDP Autumn," and "DDP Autumn Special Tour" will take place throughout DDP. These exhibitions and events, reflecting the unique characteristics of DDP spaces such as the outer walls, grassy hills, parks, and design trails, offer distinctive design content that can only be experienced at DDP.