Entries accepted through March 31 under the theme 'Sustainable and Enjoyable'

Discovering Korea's young design talent and expanding design exchange with Sweden

The 4th 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award,' jointly organized by IKEA Korea, the Embassy of Sweden in Korea, and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) to discover and nurture young Korean designers, is set to take place.

The 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' was established to expand design exchange between Korea and Sweden and to raise interest in the field of design. Since 2019, the year marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sweden, the three companies and organizations have held the competition based on the three core values of 'innovation,' 'sustainability,' and 'a better future,' taking the lead in discovering and nurturing domestic designers.

The theme of this competition is 'Sustainable and Enjoyable,' reflecting the intention to explore sustainable design in a delightful way. Any adult of Korean nationality aged 34 or younger as of the announcement date (December 19) may participate, and designs from all fields except food and music may be submitted. Entries will be accepted through March 31 on the official 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' website (www.ksyda.com).

Submitted works will be judged by a panel of 10 members, including Korean and Swedish design experts and opinion leaders, based on creativity, aesthetics, relevance to the theme, and impact. Twenty award winners will be given the opportunity to exhibit their work, and the three final winners will receive a range of benefits, including a design study tour of Sweden.

Ahead of the competition, IKEA Korea, the Embassy of Sweden in Korea, and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion signed a memorandum of understanding on December 15 for operating the competition and promoting design exchange. Through this agreement, the three companies and organizations plan to work together on promotional cooperation to raise awareness of the competition and expand participation, as well as on strengthening exchange and networking between designers of the two countries through design talks and seminars.

Fredrik Johansson, CEO of IKEA Korea, said, "IKEA is participating in the 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' based on its belief in the power of design to create a better everyday life for the many people." He added, "Through this competition, we hope that young Korean designers will find inspiration in sustainable design and grow into designers who create a better future."

Daniel Wolvén, the Swedish Ambassador to Korea, said, "Both Sweden and Korea, renowned for their manufacturing industries, are always striving to create innovative and beautiful product designs." He continued, "Just as young Korean designers presented fascinating works at last year's award by combining innovative ideas with sustainable design, we look forward to encountering works reflecting the ideas of both countries at this year's 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' as well."

Yoon Sang-heum, President of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, said, "Based on this memorandum of understanding, we expect the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award to establish itself as a time-honored competition that discovers talented Korean designers, and for design exchange and cooperation between the two countries to be strengthened."


▲ On December 15, at the Residence of the Swedish Ambassador in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, IKEA Korea, the Embassy of Sweden in Korea, and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion signed a memorandum of understanding for operating the competition and promoting design exchange. From left: Yoon Sang-heum, President of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion; Daniel Wolvén, Swedish Ambassador to Korea; and Fredrik Johansson, CEO of IKEA Korea.