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Design Miami successfully concludes its 2026 edition in Seoul

bonart seül - 09/09/26

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On September 6, 2026, Design Miami concluded its inaugural edition in Seoul, held at the Design Lab in Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). Curated by Hyeyoung Cho, the fair explored the theme of 'Resonance,' showcasing over 40 exhibitors through its Gallery, In Situ, and partner collaboration programs.

According to Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, this edition built on the energy of last year's inaugural fair, with a 20% increase in attendance during the preview day. Roberts noted that sales were strong in both the Gallery and In Situ programs, reflecting confidence in Seoul as a key destination on the international art and design calendar.

Notable Attendees

The fair attracted an international roster of prominent attendees, including figures from the world of art, design, fashion, and entertainment, such as Young Hye Lee, President of Design House Inc.; Woo Youngmi, Founder of WOOYOUNGMI; and Adrian Cheng, Founder of the K11 Art Foundation.

Themes and Exhibitions

Among the featured themes was the exploration of material memory, with designers using materials such as bronze, ceramics, and carved wood. London's Charles Burnand Gallery presented 'Material Echoes,' which brought together artists from Korea, China, Europe, and the United States. Meanwhile, the IN GALLERY installation offered an immersive experience with contemporary Korean furniture and crafts.

Among the highlights were Jungmo Kwon's 'The Roof' series, which reinterprets the traditional hanok window with materials such as hanji and LED, and Hwan Tae Kim's 'Chimi Chair', which distills the ornamentation of hanok roofs in a minimalist form.

Collaborations and Innovations

In addition to the exhibitions, Design Miami invited companies and brands to develop collaborations that explored new approaches to design, technology, and craftsmanship. Samsung Electronics presented original artworks by Korean creators with custom framing for its S95H OLED TV. The Korean luxury design brand Alloso showcased 'Layers of Resonance,' an installation that reinterpreted its collections as platforms for new material expression.

With remarkable success, Design Miami Seoul 2026 has left a significant mark on the world of design and art, paving the way for the upcoming editions in Paris and Miami Beach.