Busan to Showcase World Design Capital 2028 Vision at Milan Design Week 2026

Busan, designated as the World Design Capital for 2028, will present its vision of 'Inclusive City and Engaged Design' at Milan Design Week 2026. The South Korean city will participate in the FuoriSalone 2026 event, aligning its design philosophy with the festival's theme 'Be the Project / Essere Progetto,' which emphasizes human existence as a meaningful endeavor. Busan's approach to inclusive design centers on active citizen participation and mutual support, moving beyond conventional utilitarian principles. The city's historical role as Korea's primary port, opening the country to global exchange 150 years ago, and its resilience during the Korean War 75 years ago, when it sheltered displaced populations, have shaped its communal ethos. For the Milan event, Busan is collaborating with Italian designer Ico Migliore to create an immersive pavilion that evokes the city's atmospheric qualities. This presentation aims to initiate international dialogue ahead of Busan's 2028 designation, highlighting how resident-led creative processes can foster shared societal values. The initiative reflects Busan's ongoing transformation from a historical maritime gateway into a contemporary model of participatory urban development.