Preview of Seoul Living Design Fair 2025
Starting with the curated narratives of a lifestyle publication, this 30th fair became a remarkable crossroads where Korea’s living design community passionately unites.
A widely covered journalist specializing in design and culture, Seoung-joo YOO contributes to influential media outlets in Korea, Japan, Singapore, the UK, France, and Italy, particularly focusing on timeless values for humans and our environment. Driven by a passion for cross-cultural exchange, she fosters collaborations between multidisciplinary creatives across Asia and Europe.
LinkedinThe 2025 Korean living design calendar commences with the Seoul Living Design Fair. Attracting approximately 200,000 design enthusiasts annually, this landmark event, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025, has revitalized the domestic home interior and living sector since 1994, a transformation vividly demonstrated by the dynamic landscape we see today.
Hosted by DESIGN HOUSE, COEX, and MBN, and organized by HOME LIVING & STYLE, this year’s event is the largest yet, occupying four halls (A, B, C, and D) at COEX from February 26th to March 2nd. Under the evocative theme, “2025 Life White Paper: The Romance of Life,” it will explore how design can elevate everyday living and evoke joy. The striking visual communication subtly conveys the nuances of personal taste and serves as an enticing invitation to audiences.
There are three compelling highlights. First, the prestigious ‘Designers’ Choice’ exhibition features key figures in contemporary Korean design. An archive of past names provides a glimpse into the evolution of the most impactful visionary minds. Byung-jun Koo, co-founder of PPS Corp.; Jong-hwan Baek, architect and leader of space design studio WGNB; and Ji-yoon Moon, living stylist and founder of Bureau de Dlaudia, will share their views on ordinary life, space, and objects. They will investigate how the romance of life can become a tangible reality, not just a dream.
Second, this expansive exhibition includes a selection of over 500 local and international brands, offering attendees a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in furniture, home appliances, home accessories, interior materials, lighting, kitchenware, and gardening—all conveniently located under one roof.
A particularly noteworthy exhibit, marking the 10th anniversary of ILKW by ILKWANG LIGHTING’s participation. As Korea’s sole manufacturer of incandescent light bulbs, the company will unveil not only refined light but also the power of artistic design, encompassing the past and present of its manufacturing heritage. Furniture aficionados will also appreciate the notable designs presented by brands such as FrankAngle°, Fläsier, and Rareraw.
Last, the 2025 Global Creative Business Conference, an in-depth examination of design’s influence across diverse sectors, from architecture to beauty and wellness, will convene at the COEX Grand Ballroom (Room 103) on February 26th and 27th. Building on its previous iteration as the Living Trend Seminar, the upcoming conference broadens the scope to integrate lifestyle trends and the interconnected industries that shape them, with an emphasis on the business side of design.
Concerning the timely subject of “Sustainable-yet-Profitable: Design Business for a Better Future,” twenty-two internationally acclaimed experts from nine countries will share their insights, providing invaluable inspiration and fresh perspectives to participants.
This gathering of speakers spotlights Korean architect Byoung-soo Cho; Toshiya Hayashi, co-founder and designer of we+, the innovative Japanese material design studio; and Julia Capp, CEO of RDAI, the firm responsible for Hermès’ global spatial design. In a productive exchange with representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Architecture & Design Commission and Creative Denmark—a Danish organization supporting creative industries—, the conversation will delve into the evolving terrain of the design industry, uncovering emerging trends and fostering potential collaborations.
Behind the dazzling spectacle of this event stands Young-hye Lee, a pivotal figurehead in the Korean design and creative field. As CEO and founder of DESIGN HOUSE, she leads the publication of Korea’s foremost influential design, lifestyle, and luxury magazines. Her multifaceted role extends beyond publishing to orchestrate content development, exhibition planning, curating, and the cultivation of relationships within the wider cultural sphere. Therefore, her prominent presence at the vibrant heart of the local creative scene is a natural and anticipated occurrence.
Reflecting on the impetus for launching the Seoul Living Design Fair in 1994, Young-hye Lee explains, “It stemmed from a desire to transcend the inherent limitations of print media.” She elaborates, “Following the success of DESIGN, the only design magazine since 1976, we introduced HOME LIVING & STYLE in 1987, a lifestyle publication dedicated to the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Our readers expressed a strong desire to incorporate the presented products into their homes. In response, I prioritized facilitating access to these coveted items. While we have now fully embraced the digital realm and are actively seeking ways to nurture community within it, the Seoul Living Design Fair remains an integral part of DESIGN HOUSE’s mission.”
The Seoul Living Design Fair moves beyond the conventional trade show experience, forging meaningful connections between brands and audiences rather than simply displaying products. Distinguished from others, the event leverages the original and meticulous vision of a leading lifestyle magazine, renowned for its insightful and forward-thinking content. This specialized perspective enables the fair to understand each brand’s unique aspirations, thereby establishing a mutually beneficial environment for both exhibitors and visitors. This approach mirrors Lee’s enduring and deeply rooted philosophy.
