The key event in which Seoul will celebrate its role as ‘World Design Capital’ will be the third annual ‘Seoul Design Olympiad’, scheduled to be held from September 17 to October 7. CEI Asia talks to Samuel Koo, president of Seoul Tourism Organization, about the event: 

What is the Seoul Design Olympiad?
The Design Olympiad is a multifaceted event, including conferences, exhibitions, competitions and festivals, allowing the participation of industry professionals and citizens alike.

The theme for 2010 is ‘Design For All’, reflecting the award of ‘Design Capital’ – given to cities that produce modern architecture balanced with a cultural aesthetic, which is also economically and environmentally sustainable.

What is its purpose?
The event will celebrate the city’s design achievements and future trends, and allow local and international visitors to see the importance of attractive and sustainable design in the modern age. The event will be held from September 17 to October 7 at the Jamsil Sports Complex.

Anything else that is important?
Seoul also plans to set up a ‘Global Design Cities Conference’, a potential annual event in which past and future Design Cities can exchange information and cooperate on future developments within the design industry.

In addition, the city is actively developing the World Design Plaza at Dongdaemun Stadium, which we anticipate will become the eventual hub of the Asian design industry and a place where global leaders in the design industry can convene in the interests of international exchange.