Mayor Park Heong-joon Declares ‘Civic Design with Citizen Participation’ at World Design Congress
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- Busan to Elevate Livability and Tackle Urban Challenges Through Design -
Mayor Park Heong-joon Declares ‘Civic Design with Citizen Participation’ at World Design Congress
□ On September 10, 2025, at 16:00 (local time), during the World Design Congress at the Barbican Centre in London, Busan Metropolitan City was officially endorsed as the 2028 World Design Capital.
○ Launched in 2008 by the World Design Organization, the WDC program biennially celebrates cities that advance social, cultural, and economic development by means of design.
○ Throughout the WDC year, the designated city undertakes a broad range of projects that spur innovation and sustainability.
□ Busan is Korea’s second awardee and the eleventh internationally, emphasizing its illustrious distinction in design capacity and vision.
□ Following the announcement, Mayor Park Heong-joon delivered the acceptance speech: “Civic design is the key to unlocking Busan’s future. It is not merely about upgrading appearances but also about reshaping mindsets and approaches. We will address diverse societal issues via design-based policies.”
□ He further unveiled the theme of World Design Capital Busan—'Inclusive City, Engaged Design’—stressing: “Design is no longer the exclusive domain of experts. In Busan, everyone, from children and the elderly to individuals with disabilities and migrants, assumes a hands-on role in crafting civic design. We will prove that design can change lives and guide the world in the right direction.”
□ Busan will set up a robust operational blueprint as well as long-term strategies rooted in public–private collaboration. Beginning in 2026, it will accelerate citywide design-oriented reforms and citizen-centered initiatives.
□ Mayor Park concluded: “Being selected as a World Design Capital is neither a privilege nor a trophy, but a turning point for transformative strides in citizens’ well-being and the overall vitality of the city. By applying design thinking and practice to the complexities arising from rapid growth, we will position Busan as a global design hub that embraces all.”
