Under the theme of sustainable design for a better future,
the Embassy of Sweden in Seoul sets out to discover young Korean design talent
The 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award,' organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Seoul together with the Korea Institute of Design Promotion and IKEA Korea to discover and nurture young Korean design talent, is being held for its third time this year.
Through the first and second competitions, some 40 designers who demonstrated great passion and creativity were selected, and going forward, the active participation of young talents who wish to inspire more people and create a better world is anticipated.
The 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' is a competition established to further invigorate exchange between Korea and Sweden through design and, furthermore, to raise interest in the field of design. It is run in pursuit of design centered on three core values: 'innovation,' 'sustainability,' and 'a better future.' The theme for 2021 is 'Sustainable Design for a Better Future,' and it is expected to highlight the power that design holds as a driving force for overcoming the post-COVID-19 era and the crisis of climate change while opening the door to a better future.
Any designer of Korean nationality who is 34 years of age or younger as of the announcement date (May 10) — that is, born on or after May 11, 1986 — may take part in the competition. Because the competition covers design in all fields except food and music, designers capable of demonstrating their talents across a wide range of areas without boundaries can participate. Entries are accepted from June 1 to 30 on the official 'Korea+Sweden Young Design Award' website.
Submitted works will be judged by a panel of jurors composed of 10 design experts and opinion leaders from Korea and Sweden, based on the evaluation criteria of creativity, aesthetics, relevance to the theme, and impact. The results will be announced in late August via the official website, and the 20 selected entrants will be given the opportunity to exhibit their works at the 'Design Korea Festival 2021 (DKfestival 2021),' to be held in October. The three final winners will be provided with a variety of award benefits to support their growth into global designers, such as a design study tour of Sweden, prize money, or the opportunity to participate in an internship at an overseas company, depending on the global COVID-19 situation. Further details about the competition can be found on the official website.
Jakob Hallgren, Ambassador of Sweden to Korea, said, "I am delighted at the successful hosting of the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award, which marks its third year this year," adding, "In line with the green transition, Korea's top priority agenda, this is the optimal time to foster innovation and cultivate a design industry that is sustainable into the future. I hope the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award will serve as inspiration for young designers to create innovations for a sustainable future."
Yoon Ju-hyun, President of the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, said, "Just as the Nobel Prize, which began in Sweden, is a prestigious award granted to those who have contributed to humanity, I hope the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award will likewise grow and develop into a Nobel Prize–level honor in the design world that contributes to nurturing designers who will advance innovation, sustainability, and the creation of a better future. As the essence of design is to embrace and bring happiness to nations, society, and all of humanity, I hope this competition will draw many outstanding entries in which sustainability for a better future is well realized."
Fredrik Johansson, CEO of IKEA Korea, said, "At a time when the importance of sustainability is growing ever greater in all of our lives, I am pleased to take part, through the Korea+Sweden Young Design Award, in creating a better future for people, society, and the planet with the power of design," adding, "IKEA Korea will continue to steadily support and inspire young Korean designers to create more sustainable designs, so that more people can enjoy a sustainable life."