HYUN-SUN, KIM

Chair, Korea Federal Design Association

Chair of DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)

President of KHSD (KimHyunSun Design)

Creator of urban-color identities that

define Korea’s design landscape.

ABOUT

HYUN-SUN KIM is a pioneering leader in Korean public and urban design, currently serving as Chair of the Korean Federation of Design Associations (KFDA). She has advanced the field through integrated approaches that connect individual experiences to the broader urban landscape, setting new standards in urban color planning, environmental design, and public policy. As Chair of the Asia Design Prize Jury and a key advisor to both the Seoul Metropolitan Government and national policy committees, she has played a central role in shaping Korea’s design ecosystem.

Guided by a philosophy of empathetic and human-centered design, Chair Kim has strengthened the social and economic impact of designers in contemporary society. Under her leadership, KFDA unites 25 member associations and partners with regional institutions to drive policy innovation, provide public-sector consulting, and foster industry-academia exchange,

ensuring Korean design continues to lead and inspire on a global stage.

EXPERIENCE

Kimhyunsun DESIGN Research Lab
– Founder (1992–Present)

• Established and leads a design research institute specializing in urban and public design innovation

• Drives interdisciplinary projects and provides strategic consulting for cities and public institutions

Korean Federation of Design Associations (KFDA) – Chair (2022–Present)

• Oversees national design policy development, industry-academia collaboration, and organizational leadership for 25 member

associations

Asia Design Prize – Chair of the Jury (2025)

• Led the international jury, evaluating and awarding outstanding design projects across Asia

• Set evaluation standards and promoted innovation in the Asian design community

Seoul Design Foundation – Appointed Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Board (2024-Present)

• Provided strategic direction and governance for Seoul’s leading design foundation

• Supervised major public design projects and fostered collaboration with international partners

Korea Landscape Council – Vice President (2013-2020), Advisor (2023-Present)

• Advanced landscape architecture policy and promoted interdisciplinary collaboration

Korean Women Designers Association – 6th President (2015–2020)

• Led initiatives to empower women designers and expand professional networks

QUOTE

“Our thinking must be open as we live in an era of convergence.” (Economy Chosun, 2021)

“Design is not simply about shaping forms — it is a creative process that understands the spirit of the age, interprets culture, and drives social change.” (Asia Design Prize Jury Statement, 2025)

PHILOSOPHY