SEOUL DESIGN AWARD 2026 INVITES FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Seoul Design Award 2026 has officially opened its call for entries, marking its 7th edition as the world’s global award dedicated to addressing social and climate issues through sustainable design. In a symbolic milestone for the program, designboom is proud to announce an editorial partnership to highlight the growing international status of projects that drive positive impact. Since its launch in 2019, the award has seen an explosive 1,100% growth, reaching 941 entries from 74 countries by 2025. This rapid evolution underscores the award’s role as a leading platform for highlighting how design can transform everyday life and move the world toward a more sustainable future.
Submissions are being accepted in English only via the official Seoul Design Award website until the deadline on June 30, 2026.
Seoul Design Award 2026 opens call for entries | all images courtesy of Seoul Design Award
A PLATFORM FOR DESIGN THAT CHANGES THE WORLD
The Seoul Design Foundation, the force behind the award, operates on the belief that design is a transformative tool for improving everyday lives and steering the world toward collective sustainability. Kang Heui Cha, CEO of the Foundation, views the platform as a vital discourse for designers who drive change through positive impact. For the 2026 edition, the award sharpens its focus on the entire lifecycle of a career, from the raw potential of students to the large-scale influence of global institutions.
the award seek designers who drive change through positive impact
CHAMPIONING DESIGN THAT SOLVES REAL-WORLD ISSUES
The Seoul Design Award seeks to discover a new generation of designers who prioritize social responsibility alongside aesthetics. A significant shift of the 2026 edition is the expansion of the Young Designer Award — formerly known as the Concept Award — which has been specifically tailored to capture the creative thinking of undergraduate and graduate students worldwide.
While the Main Awards focus on completed, realized products currently in use, the Young Designer Award invites unrealized proposals, including mock-ups and prototypes, to foster future talent. Additionally, the ESG Design Impact Award recognizes outstanding sustainable projects led by corporations and institutions, proving that ethical design is now a core pillar of global industry.
the award recognizes outstanding sustainable projects
To facilitate this global exchange of ideas, the program will select more than 60 winners across its various categories. Additionally, three designboom Special Prize winners will be recognized, receiving exclusive featured editorial coverage to provide both the projects and designers with significant international exposure. All winners will also receive a detailed scorecard featuring evaluations from global experts, providing tangible feedback to help refine their practice and build a professional network for sustainable design.
The program culminates in October with an official award ceremony and an international conference held at the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. This gathering serves as a global stage for discourse, complemented by a range of side programs presented in collaboration with global companies committed to sustainability.
Award ceremony 2025
Winner 2025
Martin Zegler, CEO of DAAily Platforms, presenting at the award ceremony 2025
Exhibition 2025
project info:
name: Seoul Design Award 2026 | @seouldesignaward
organization: Seoul Design Foundation
submission link: https://www.seouldesignaward.or.kr/guidelines/guidelines
deadline: June 30, 2026
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