Dongseo University’s Design College will host the international design symposium “STELLAR DESIGN SUMMIT BUSAN (SDSB) 2026.” Under the theme “Design Futures : Busan and Asia,” the symposium will invite global design leaders to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges on the future of design in Busan, which has been designated as the World Design Capital (WDC) 2028.

The symposium will bring together internationally recognized design leaders, industry professionals, and academic experts to discuss the future of design in Busan and Asia, while exploring how design can shape the future of human society and how the role of designers will continue to evolve.

In particular, Busan reached an important turning point in July 2025 with its designation as the World Design Capital (WDC 2028), marking its emergence as a global design city. In this context, the symposium, hosted by Dongseo University — a leading design-specialized university in Busan and the first member institution of the World Design Organization (WDO) in Korea — is expected to provide an opportunity to explore the role and direction regional universities should pursue in connection with the promotion of WDC 2028.

In addition, the symposium will be linked with the WDC 2028 International Conference, creating a platform where global design leaders and local communities can participate together in meaningful discussions. Through this initiative, the event is expected to contribute to the establishment of an Asian design collaboration network centered on Busan while functioning as a platform for regional innovation.

The keynote speakers will include Dr. Thomas Garvey, former President of the World Design Organization (WDO); Yongqi Lou, President of Shanghai University of Engineering Science; and Tan Wang, Chief Designer of XPeng Motors and Vice President of XPeng Aridge. The symposium will also feature an Open Floor Q&A session, providing students with opportunities to freely exchange ideas and communicate directly with these global design leaders.

Juyoung Chang, Dean of the Design College at Dongseo University, stated, “As we approach WDC 2028, Dongseo University seeks to serve as an educational and research hub connecting global design discourse with local communities.” He added, “We hope this symposium will become the starting point for practical collaboration connecting Busan and Asia, while also creating opportunities for regional universities to lead design-driven innovation.”

SDSB 2026 is supported by the Dongseo University RISE Project Group and organized by the Secretariat of the Asia Design College Consortium (ADCC).

▶ Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

▶ Venue: Concert Hall, Culture Center 

▶ Theme: Design Futures : Busan and Asia