[Edaily Kang Gyeong-rok Travel Reporter] The world-renowned collectible design fair “Design Miami” has identified Seoul as a market to cultivate over the long term. Following last year’s inaugural event in Seoul—the first in Asia—the fair has expanded its scope this year by launching a new program featuring overseas galleries, broadening its focus from art appreciation to transactions and business. It remains to be seen whether Seoul’s international arts scene, which has traditionally centered on fine art, will expand to include design and crafts.

Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, said at the “Design Miami Seoul 2026” press conference held on the 31st at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, “The first event in Seoul far exceeded our expectations,” adding, “Seoul is not a one-time event for us, but a market we will grow together in the long term.” Design Miami also announced that it has extended its existing partnership with the Seoul Design Foundation.
Design Miami is a collectible design platform that exhibits and trades design pieces worthy of collection, such as furniture, crafts, and objets d’art. Having primarily held events in the U.S. and Europe, the organization hosted its first Asian event in Seoul last year. This year’s event will take place at the DDP Design Lab from the 31st through the 6th of next month.
The biggest change for the second Seoul event is that it has expanded its scope from a “viewing exhibition” to a “market-driven fair.” While last year’s event focused on introducing Korean designers to the world, this year marks the first time a gallery program has been introduced. Six galleries from Korea and abroad—including those in London, New York, Barcelona, and Seoul—will participate, showcasing works by 17 of their affiliated artists. Sales channels have also been expanded so that works by some participating galleries and designers can be purchased online even after the event concludes.
Cha Kang-hee, CEO of the Seoul Design Foundation, stated, “We have taken a step further from a curated exhibition introducing Korean designers to the world,” adding, “It has evolved into a Collectable Design Fair where global galleries, designers, collectors, and brands meet in Seoul to appreciate and trade works, fostering new discourse and business opportunities.” The background behind Seoul becoming the first Asian host city for Design Miami was also revealed that day. When selecting a new host city, Design Miami considers the city’s history, craft traditions, and potential for collaboration with local partners. It was explained that the symbolic significance of the DDP itself also played a role.

CEO Roberts said, “In Seoul, I was able to see how deep-rooted craft traditions inspire and drive contemporary experimental design,” adding, “I wanted to connect Seoul with the larger Design Miami platform, and I found a community in Seoul that fit that vision.” He explained that the connection between architect Zaha Hadid, who designed the DDP, and Design Miami was also taken into consideration during the decision-making process for the host city.
From a tourism industry perspective, a key point to note is that the range of art-related content available to consumers in Seoul is expanding. Unlike existing art fairs centered on fine art, Design Miami Seoul features design closely tied to everyday life, including furniture, crafts, lighting, architecture, and fashion. The fact that this international event is held at the DDP—Seoul’s premier architecture and design venue—with participation from overseas galleries, designers, collectors, and brands is another aspect that sets it apart from conventional art events.
The exhibition halls also showcase the design content Seoul has to offer. The separately curated exhibition “In Situ” featured 36 teams of domestic and international designers and studios. The exhibition presents works that utilize a wide range of materials and production methods—from traditional materials such as hanji (Korean paper), mother-of-pearl inlay, and wood to carbon fiber, 3D printing, LEDs, and aluminum.

It is this fusion of tradition and modernity that has caught the attention of international galleries in Korean design. Simon Stewart, CEO of the Charles Bernard Gallery, remarked, “Korea is a hub that is elevating craftsmanship to a broader realm of design.” He highlighted how Korean designers are expanding beyond the materials traditionally used in crafts—such as hanji and ceramics—to explore new materials and production methods.
“The spirit of exploring new materials and pushing their boundaries is particularly evident among Korean artists,” said CEO Stewart, adding, “As a gallery, we want to introduce the works of these Korean artists to a wider global audience.”
The Seoul Design Foundation also plans to go beyond simply hosting renowned international fairs in Seoul and develop the events into a platform where domestic designers can connect with overseas galleries and collectors. CEO Cha said, “We began with the idea of not only attracting world-class events but also introducing outstanding and talented young Korean designers to the international stage.”
Plans for the event’s sustainability are also taking shape. Design Miami has extended its partnership with the Seoul Design Foundation, though specific contract terms and conditions were not disclosed. CEO Roberts said, “We hope to continue this partnership for the long term.” CEO Cha also hinted at the possibility of beginning discussions on next year’s event as early as next month, noting, “Just this morning, we agreed to start planning for next year as soon as possible.”
Design Miami Seoul runs through the 6th of this month. On September 3, a “Design Talk” will be held at the DDP Design Lab, covering topics such as the collectible design market, creativity, and digital technology. The event is open to domestic and international designers, galleries, companies, investors, and collectors.