Busan Metropolitan City is pursuing a large-scale design event that transforms the entire city into an exhibition venue.
The city announced on the 8th that it will sign a memorandum of understanding at the Busan City Hall International Protocol Room to promote the "Global Busan Design Fair." Vice Mayor for Future Innovation Seong Hui-yeop, acting Dong-gu District Mayor Park Jin-seok, and DRB Dongil CEO Cho Hyun-min will attend the signing ceremony.
The agreement aims to establish an inter-agency cooperation framework for the successful launch of the first large-scale design exhibition in Busan this November. Inspired by Milan Design Week in Italy, the city plans to implement a "Busan-style distributed exhibition model" that allows visitors to experience design across the entire city rather than within a single convention venue.
Under the agreement, the city will oversee overall event management and provide policy and administrative support. Dong-gu district will handle administrative cooperation including the creation of a design street. DRB Dongil, a private-sector partner, will provide off-site exhibition venues and other logistical support.
The core objective of the Global Busan Design Fair is to combine industrial heritage and urban spaces with design content, simultaneously revitalizing local commerce, tourism, and culture. The event is expected to help citizens appreciate the value of design in everyday life and serve as a catalyst for spreading Busan's design assets.
The fair is scheduled to run from November 5 to 15 across areas including Dong-gu and Dongnae-gu districts. "Design is a key driver that opens the future of a city," Vice Mayor Seong said. "We will ensure Busan leaps forward as a city where design exchange and business thrive."