Organizer Information
Seoul Design Foundation is a government-supported organization dedicated to promoting design excellence in South Korea. It organizes the Seoul Design Award, a prestigious international competition recognizing innovative design projects that contribute to a sustainable and harmonious future across social, environmental, and cultural contexts. The foundation supports designers through global networking, promotion, and professional development.
Title & Description
Seoul Design Award 2026 – International Design Competition
The Seoul Design Award 2026 invites individual designers, teams, and enterprises to submit design projects realized within the last five years that demonstrate innovation, creativity, and social impact. The competition focuses on projects that enhance harmony between people, society, and the environment, encouraging forward-looking and sustainable solutions. Winners receive international exposure, cash prizes, global recognition, and opportunities for networking and professional growth.
Categories
Design, Graphic, Digital, Architecture, Industrial Design, Multimedia, Visual Arts, Innovation, Sustainable Design
Eligibility
- Open to international designers, including individuals, groups, and enterprises.
- Projects must have been realized within the last five years.
- Corporate and private design projects are eligible.
- Intellectual property must belong to the applicant(s).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Total prize pool: 150,000,000 KRW (~USD 120,000), inclusive of taxes.
- Grand Prize: 50,000,000 KRW (selected from Top 10 winners).
- Best of the Best: 10 winners, 10,000,000 KRW each.
- Young Designer Award: 2 top winners, 5,000,000 KRW each.
- Finalists: Certificates, archiving on the award website, and exposure through newsletters and media.
- Additional perks: Invitation to Award Ceremony & International Design Conference, hotel accommodation (3 nights), partial airfare support, global promotion, and networking opportunities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed the application form via the official website.
- Project submission documents (portfolio, concept, or research as applicable).
- Additional documentation may be requested during screening.
- Submissions must respect copyright and intellectual property laws.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Screening Period: July – September 2026
- Citizen Vote: September 2026
- Award Ceremony & Conference: 14 October 2026 (TBA)
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Additional Details
- Screening occurs in multiple rounds, including jury review and public voting.
- The top 10 teams present online before the final selection.
- Projects are judged based on creativity, feasibility, social impact, and future vision.
- Winners may feature on global platforms such as designboom.
- Applicants are responsible for compliance with copyright and submission rules.