This fall, the global design spotlight turns to Seoul as Design Miami launches its first-ever In Situ exhibition at Zaha Hadid’s iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Titled Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design, the exhibition presents more than 170 works, marking a landmark moment for the city’s contemporary design scene and its growing influence on the international stage.
Curated by design authority Hyeyoung Cho, the project takes inspiration from the Korean word 조명 (jo-myeong), meaning “to illuminate.” By uniting tradition and innovation, the exhibition celebrates the depth of Korean craft while showcasing its future as a hub of global collectible design.
Korean design: tradition meets modernity
The exhibition emphasizes how Korean design flourishes through the coexistence of heritage and innovation. One highlight is Kim Dongjun’s Moon Jar, a wood-fired porcelain vessel that revives Joseon-era traditions. By using timber he sources and prepares himself, Kim honors centuries-old methods while giving his ceramics a contemporary edge through textured imperfections born of fire.
Another standout is Dahyeon Yoo’s Harmony series, in which she translates Joseon rice straw weaving techniques into sculptural leather forms. Her pieces evoke balance and introspection, transforming humble craft into a dialogue about modern life.
Equally compelling is the work of Byung Hoon Choi, widely regarded as a pioneer of Korean design. His sculptures—such as afterimage of beginning 018-499 and 021-577—merge stone, granite, wood, and clay into minimalist yet monumental forms. These works embody the Korean philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature, bridging centuries through material and form.
Collectible design on a global stage
With contributions from international galleries and Korean studios alike, Illuminated positions Seoul as a rising capital of collectible design. Visitors will encounter objects that move beyond function, serving as cultural statements rooted in tradition yet resonant with today’s global design discourse.
“Seoul is a UNESCO City of Design, where heritage and innovation live side by side,” says curator Hyeyoung Cho. “This exhibition celebrates designers who are shaping Korean identity while engaging with the world.”
Why It Matters
Illuminated: A Spotlight on Korean Design coincides with Frieze Seoul and Kiaf, aligning the city with the world’s most influential art and design fairs. Through the exhibition, Design Miami not only underscores the creative vitality of Seoul but also highlights how contemporary design in Korea is redefining cultural narratives—one crafted object at a time.
Untitled #18, 2024
Copyright The Artist
Second Surface Chandelier 02, 2025
Copyright The Artist
Image courtesy of OBJECTS WITH NARRATIVES
Image courtesy of FRIEDMAN BENDA and BYUNG HOON CHOI
Image courtesy of DAHYEON YOO and GALLERY LVS & CRAFT
Image courtesy of FRIEDMAN BENDA and BYUNG HOON CHOI
Image courtesy of GALLERY LVS & CRAFT
Image courtesy of SALON 94 DESIGN
Image courtesy of SALON 94 DESIGN
Image courtesy of SIDE GALLERY
Image courtesy of ISABELLA SZUKILOJC
Image courtesy of MARTA LOS ANGELES & ARUMJIGI FOUNDATION