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Promoting an Overseas Design Exhibition Support Program Linked to WDC BUSAN 2028

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Acting Mayor Kim Kyung-duk, and Design Council Busan, headed by President Kang Pil-hyeon, announced that they will launch the “Overseas Design Exhibition Support Program Linked to the Promotion of WDC BUSAN 2028” to showcase Busan’s design capabilities and city brand on the global stage and to enhance the international recognition of World Design Capital Busan 2028.

The program has been established to support Busan-based designers in participating in overseas design exhibitions while promoting both Busan and World Design Capital Busan 2028 at exhibition venues.

In particular, the initiative aims to provide practical assistance for transportation and exhibition expenses, which are among the greatest challenges faced by local designers seeking to enter international markets, enabling them to participate more confidently and sustainably on the global stage.

The program is open to individual designers or teams whose participation in overseas design exhibitions this year has either been confirmed or is clearly planned. A total of 10 designers or teams will be selected.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least three design-related achievements within the past three years as of the announcement date and must have verifiable connections to Busan. Eligible applicants include employees of Busan-based design companies, participants in Busan-related design projects or exhibitions, members of Busan-based design studios and creative teams, winners of design competitions focused on Busan-related themes, and designers originally from Busan who are currently active elsewhere.

However, projects already receiving support from other organizations for the same exhibition, as well as works that involve significant logistics or customs-clearance risks, will be excluded from support.

Selected participants will be required to carry out promotional and content creation activities related to World Design Capital Busan 2028 throughout the entire process of participating in overseas exhibitions.

Prior to participation, applicants must publish content on their personal social media channels introducing the purpose and expected outcomes of their exhibition participation, along with information about World Design Capital Busan 2028.

At exhibition venues, participants will introduce and promote World Design Capital Busan 2028 to visitors and fellow exhibitors, distribute promotional materials, engage in networking activities, and create content such as on-site sketch videos highlighting global design trends and the atmosphere of the exhibitions.

After the exhibition concludes, participants must submit a final report that includes an overview of the exhibition, key case studies, analyses of design trends, potential connections with World Design Capital Busan 2028, and ideas for future promotional activities.

Major support items include artwork transportation costs, exhibition space rental fees, and expenses related to installation and dismantling of exhibition displays. Up to KRW 5.5 million will be provided per individual or team.

By helping alleviate transportation and venue rental costs, which often represent the greatest financial burden when participating in overseas exhibitions, the program aims to enable designers to pursue global opportunities with greater stability and confidence. Participants will also receive a certificate of appointment and promotional materials that can be used locally during their exhibitions.

Personal airfare and accommodation expenses are not eligible for support. Funding will be reimbursed after the submission of supporting documents such as transportation receipts, exhibition participation certificates, and activity reports.

Applications should be submitted via email at ghlee0754@dcb.or.kr and must include an application form, portfolio, and supporting documents related to exhibition participation.

The program will accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Detailed eligibility requirements and application forms can be found on the Design Council Busan website at https://www.dcb.or.kr.

Busan Metropolitan City expects the program to help organically promote Busan’s design competitiveness and city brand at major design exhibitions around the world, expand opportunities for exchange with designers and institutions from various countries, and enhance the international recognition of World Design Capital Busan 2028.

Moon Jeong-ju, Director of the Future Design Headquarters, stated, “Busan designers who are active on the global stage are the face of Busan design and its most powerful ambassadors. This program is a meaningful initiative that not only enables talented local designers to fully demonstrate their capabilities internationally without concerns about costs, but also promotes World Design Capital Busan 2028 within the global design community. We hope many Busan designers preparing for overseas exhibitions will show strong interest and participate.”