design korea 2024: bold narratives at maison & objet + paris design week

korean design displays dynamic exhibitions in paris

In September 2024, the vibrant world of Korean design takes center stage at two of Paris‘ most prestigious design events: Maison & Objet and Paris Design Week. The Korean Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) is set to host the Design Korea Pavilion at Maison & Objet, exhibiting 25 leading Korean home essentials and living brands. Simultaneously, at the Paris Design Week Factory, KIDP is presenting KDNEW (Korean Designers Network Worldwide), a special exhibition spotlighting Korean designers across the globe. These parallel showcases represent a dynamic effort to elevate the country’s bold design narratives on the global stage, highlighting a diverse range of products, from artful tableware and cutting-edge furniture to imaginative lighting and sustainable play tools.

the conch antique silver of the Shell-rest collection by IAAC Crafts | all images courtesy of KIDP

KIDP connects Korean design globally

Founded in 1970, the Korean Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) plays a pivotal role in driving the growth of Korea’s design industry. With the mission of enhancing the international reputation of Korean design, KIDP serves as a bridge between Korean creativity and global markets. Their focus lies in promoting design excellence across sectors like consumer goods, interiors, and technology, all while championing innovation and sustainability. Over the years, KIDP has launched several initiatives to connect Korean designers with international opportunities, including their third participation in Maison & Objet. This global event attracts over 7,000 visitors annually and has fostered successful partnerships with iconic brands such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Starbucks. Through their work at Maison & Objet and Paris Design Week, KIDP continues to elevate the visibility of Korean design.

YLYL for the M&O Design Korea Pavilion

Design Korea travels to Maison&objet and PARIS DESIGN WEEK

At Maison & Objet 2024, the Design Korea Pavilion is housed in the Smart Gift section of Hall 2. Here, visitors can experience the craftsmanship and creativity of Korean brands, which are synonymous with pop colors and innovative design. Among the showcased participants are Heriter, known for their traditional yet modern kitchenware, RAWROW, a maker of sleek aluminum travel trunks, and YLYL, a fine jewelry brand that melds classical elegance with playful design. These brands exemplify the diversity and creativity of Korean design, with products that range from sustainable art objects to practical, beautifully crafted tools for daily life.

Heriter for the M&O Design Korea Pavilion

RAWROW for the M&O Design Korea Pavilion

At the Pavilion, visitors also get to encounter a range of brands that blend innovation with sustainability. Play31 specializes in eco-friendly children’s toys and educational materials, fostering environmental awareness through play. Piglab, an upcycling design brand, reimagines everyday objects with a focus on sustainability, including their Snail Unboxing Cutter crafted from recycled materials. Life&COLLECT transforms art into functional pieces, such as their Pluffy Time Clock, created in collaboration with international artists. Additionally, IAAC Crafts showcases their silver-coated Shell-rest collection, embodying various forms of marine life, designed in various sizes to also accommodate and Western cutlery. Finally, STACKUP presents modular, eco-conscious containers, exemplifying Korean design’s commitment to environmental responsibility and creative excellence.

life&COLLECT for the M&O Design Korea Pavilion

Piglab for the M&O Design Korea Pavilion

Meanwhile, at the Paris Design Week Factory in Gallerie Joseph Froissart, KIDP will unveil the creations of three visionary Korean designers: Kunsik Choi & Seoyoung Shin, Mars Hwasung Yoo, and Jongha Choi. As part of the Korean Designers Network Worldwide (KDNEW) initiative, this exhibition showcases works that artfully merge aesthetic innovation with functional design. Kunsik Choi, known for his explorations of form and perception, will present his sculptural furniture pieces, such as the Two Realms Chair, which challenges traditional ideas of completion and incompletion through its shifting, abstract form. His Open Wall Room Divider blurs the line between public and private spaces, inviting interaction without fully separating the areas. Choi’s collection also includes the Ihop Glass Vase, where the collaborative process of the glassblower is reflected in the unique, assembled design, capturing the delicate balance between artistic intention and spontaneity.

CIRKUS by Mars Hwasung Yoo

Seoyoung Shin complements Choi’s work with her captivating Afterglow Textile Artwork, a series of woven paintings that depict the fleeting beauty of dawn and dusk on the Swedish island of Öland. Her mastery of thread and canvas transforms these ephemeral moments into tactile, visual experiences that reflect both nature and emotion. Joining the exhibition is Mars Hwasung Yoo, whose playful lighting designs embody a bold, modern aesthetic. His CIRKUS collection introduces customizable U-shaped lighting modules, while his VOYAGE series, inspired by Jeju Island’s winds and seas, evokes the imagery of sails and migrating whales.

VOYAGE by Mars Hwasung Yoo

Finally, Jongha Choi pushes the boundaries of dimensionality with his De-dimension Series, a line of sculptural furniture that transforms from two-dimensional wall art into functional chairs and tables, redefining how we perceive everyday objects. Together, these designers represent the avant-garde of Korean creativity, provoking thought and sparking conversation through their boundary-pushing work.