[K-wave] How did Busan become the World Design Capital for 2028?

The city of Busan has been named the World Design Capital for 2028.

The World Design Organization selects a location every two years that leads its development through design, and the latest designation marks the second time a South Korean city has held the World Design Capital title, following Seoul in 2010.

Lee Eun-jin tells us how Busan claimed the honor.

The World Design Organization's biennial designation for the 2028 World Design Capital title came down to Busan, South Korea, and Hangzhou, China.

The two cities received similar scores in the first round of evaluations, but according to Busan City, the deciding factor came during a visit to the site by event judges.

The World Design Organization delegation visited Busan in June and toured several key locations, starting with Domoheon, a former mayoral residence that has been transformed into a cultural space.

They also visited Busan's North Port redevelopment area, where the port's function is shifting from logistics to a space for everyday life.

Another feature location was F1963, a multicultural complex that was once a wire factory.

"I believe we were rated highly as a city that demonstrates various possibilities for harmony between nature and civilization."

Busan is also home to unique sites like the world's only UN Memorial Cemetery, which was established after the Korean War.

The WDO team conducting the site visit also observed how history and storytelling are integrated into the city's design.

Busan City said the team was particularly impressed by the city's design culture and infrastructure, the social role of design, and citizen engagement.

"Busan is truly a city that is open and integrated, and I think that really resonated with the evaluation panel."

The World Design Capital is a program by the World Design Organization that selects cities every two years for their leadership in using design to drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress, and gives them global recognition and support.

The official designation of "World Design Capital Busan 2028" will be formally announced at the 34th World Design Congress in London this September.

Following the announcement, Busan plans to begin full-scale preparations for 2028, including mandatory and self-organized events as part of its role as the World Design Capital.

Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.