The Seoul Metropolitan Government will host the 2026 Seoul Design International Forum on September 15 at Art Hall 2 of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), bringing together leading domestic and international experts to explore how design can shape the cities of the future. Under the theme “Vital Cities: Designing New Possibilities for Life,” this year’s forum will examine ways to enhance the vitality, resilience and sustainability of future cities through innovative design. Now in its seventh year, the annual forum is part of Seoul’s efforts to strengthen the city’s global competitiveness and establish itself as a world-leading design city. The forum will begin with a keynote presentation by Liam Young, followed by two sessions featuring presentations and discussions by nine experts from Korea and abroad. The first session, “Urban Design That Brings Vitality to Life,” will feature professor Lee In-ah of Seoul National University’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Director of Architecture and Engineering Services at the New York City Housing Authority Suh Eun-ryung a