[Features reporter] From tradition to modernity: Korean design illuminated at Design Miami.In Situ

Ye-young, I heard a huge design event has made its way to Korea?

That’s right, Soa.

Design Miami is a world-renowned design fair that brings together pieces from some of the most prestigious galleries worldwide.

It also features talks, special programs, and awards, making it a landmark in today’s global art scene.

Sounds fascinating. What can we see there?

Great question, Walter.

Think of furniture, lighting, even decorative objects that go beyond function to become art in themselves.

This year’s Seoul edition is titled “Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design,” and I got a sneak preview.

It was a very "illuminating" experience to see how far Korean design has come.

Let's take a look together.

Design Miami has landed in Asia for the first time, opening its Seoul edition to shine a spotlight on Korean designers who have long played a role in connecting the nation’s culture with the world.

Titled 'Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design', the exhibition is Design Miami's first In situ endeavor.

From stunning glass decorative pieces to traditional Korean accessories made from cow intestines, the exhibition shows Korean designers who have become renowned names in global design spheres.

“Design Miami is a globally renowned exhibition platform.

By hosting such a prestigious design platform here in Seoul, the first in Asia, we wanted to create an opportunity for our city to expand and step onto the world stage through design.”

"Design Miami Seoul showcases more than 170 works by 71 designers.

From traditional crafts to contemporary concepts, every piece highlights the creativity of Korean design."

Among the standout works are pieces deeply rooted in Korea’s culture and traditions.

Park Won-min’s bench, made from a massive stone slab, evokes a surreal, dreamlike effect.

Lee Jung-in reinterprets hanji , traditional Korean paper, by applying it to wooden lattice frames, transforming the technique into a sculptural paper sofa.

This particular piece was also a finalist for the prestigious LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize.

The venue itself adds another layer of meaning.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, is a cultural landmark in Seoul and home to many artistic events like Seoul Fashion Week.

DDP was designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, Design Miami’s very first “Designer of the Year” back in 2005 so the choice of the venue brings Design Miami's story full circle.

“Korean culture is making waves on the global stage right now.

Likewise, through this Design Miami Seoul exhibition, we hope to introduce many people to Korean design and design art.

The exhibition is open free of charge, so we encourage the public to come and experience the works of these renowned designers firsthand.”

Alongside the exhibition, Design Miami also hosted design talks on Tuesday to foster dialogue on Korean design.

Design Miami Seoul runs through September 14, 2025, at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Those are some funky-looking pieces!

Yes, they're definitely unique!

Artists can be so creative with the materials they use.

What were some other stand-out pieces?

Well, since I mentioned pieces that drew inspiration from Korean tradition in my report, let's take a look at some fun modern pieces.

Doesn't the logo seem familiar to you?

Looks like a fast food chain's logo?

Yes, it's a lamp made entirely from paper bags that once had burgers and fries in them.

And take a look at these cool chairs.

They look like balloons!

And they were made with actual balloons too, encased in resin.

I wonder why Design Miami chose Korea as its first site for an 'In Situ' event?

Well, I had the same question, but with Korean culture taking the world by storm, Korea being selected as a location for creative dialogue and artistic innovation should be no surprise.

Let's listen to what Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, had to say.

"So we've been paying attention to Seoul for a long time and there is a history of great collectors in the city.

So in the past decade, we've seen such an increase of participation in the design community from Korea.

It started you know, the 14 years ago with one gallery representing Korean design and now there's many Korean designers with many international galleries that's really grown."

Very happy to hear Korea was chosen Koreans have a long history of intricate craftsmanship along with modern designers, there is so much to showcase.

Thank you Ye-young for your coverage.

Thank you Ye-young.

It was my pleasure.