Busan is good

“City Brand, Capturing Stories”… 2026 Busan City Brand Goods Design Contest Launched

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) and the Design Council Busan (President Kang Pil-hyun, hereinafter referred to as the Council) announced that they will hold the “2026 Busan City Brand Goods Design Contest” from April 27 to June 17.

This contest is designed to discover creative products that reflect Busan’s stories and core values, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Busan Brand Shops and strengthening promotion of the city brand.

The city plans to go beyond simple logo-centered goods and enable citizens and tourists to more easily experience the city’s identity through practical design products that incorporate Busan’s values and stories.

In last year’s 2025 contest, a total of 114 entries were submitted, recording a competition ratio of approximately 6 to 1. Among them, 18 entries were selected as winners, and 10 products were placed in Brand Shops.

The contest will be conducted in two categories: “Welcome Kit Goods,” reflecting Busan’s stories and image, and “Lifestyle Goods,” utilizing elements of the city brand.

For “Welcome Kit Goods,” participants may propose a set of two to three products, such as travel kits or desk interior kits, that incorporate Busan’s image. For “Lifestyle Goods,” proposals may include everyday items utilizing symbols such as camellia flowers and Gwangan Bridge, as well as brand elements such as the CI and slogan.

Eligibility is open to businesses registered in Korea or individuals who can obtain business registration within two months of being selected as winners. Applications must be submitted online through the official contest website (busangoods.kr).

Each participant may submit up to two products. If generative artificial intelligence is used, its use must be disclosed in advance.

Submitted works will be evaluated through a two-stage process by an expert judging panel—first a document review and then a physical evaluation—to select a total of 18 winning entries. A total prize pool of KRW 23 million will be awarded.

Entries selected in the first round must submit physical products or prototypes produced using methods such as 3D printing for the second round of evaluation. Final results will be announced on July 28 through the official contest website (busangoods.kr).

Winning works will be utilized as promotional content for the city brand in connection with major events, including the 2028 World Design Capital Busan, and will also be used for city brand marketing, including opportunities for placement in Busan Brand Shops.

Moon Jeong-ju, Director General of the Future Design Headquarters of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “Products created from citizens’ creative ideas will serve as the best promotional medium to showcase Busan’s charm to the world. Through this contest, we will enhance the competitiveness of Brand Shops so that both domestic and international visitors can own and experience the value of Busan in their daily lives.”