What's Happening?
The 2026 Gyeongnam K-Design Exhibition in South Korea is inviting designers, students, companies, and creative teams from around the world to participate in a design competition. This event aims to reinterpret Gyeongnam's industry, history, culture, and tourism
through design, visualizing the region's future growth potential. The exhibition is organized around an open theme covering various design fields and a special theme titled 'The Power of Gyeongnam, Designing the Future.' Participants can submit entries individually or in teams, with no entry fee required. The first round of online submissions will be accepted from August 18 to September 11, 2026, followed by a second round of physical submissions and final judging. A total of 37 prizes will be awarded, with the Grand Prize winner receiving the Minister of Trade and Industry Award and KRW 10 million. Award-winning works will be showcased at the Changwon Convention Center in October 2026 and at the Design Korea 2026 exchange exhibition in Seoul in November 2026.
Why It's Important?
The Gyeongnam K-Design Exhibition serves as a significant platform for connecting global designers with South Korea's industrial and cultural landscape. By inviting international participation, the exhibition not only promotes cultural exchange but also positions Gyeongnam as a hub for innovative design thinking. This event could enhance the region's global visibility and attract future investments in its industries, such as aerospace, nuclear power, and shipbuilding. Additionally, the inclusion of generative AI in design submissions reflects the evolving nature of the design industry, encouraging participants to explore new creative processes. The exhibition's focus on integrating industry, culture, and tourism through design could lead to sustainable development and economic growth in the region.
What's Next?
Following the submission and judging process, the exhibition will culminate in an awards ceremony and exhibition in October 2026. The event will provide a platform for designers to network and showcase their work to a broader audience, potentially leading to collaborations and opportunities beyond the competition. The exhibition's alignment with Design Korea 2026 further extends its reach, allowing participants to engage with a wider design community. As the event progresses, it may influence future design trends and practices, particularly in the integration of AI technology in creative processes. Stakeholders, including government bodies and industry leaders, may monitor the outcomes to assess the potential for future collaborations and investments in the region's design sector.
