Hi Design Festival ends on high note

Hundreds of families, students and visitors participated in a design festival aimed at promoting local products and introducing stylish and yet practical design ideas.

The Hi Design Festival was held at Hibrand, a shopping outlet located in the affluent Yangjae-dong area of Seoul, from Friday to Sunday under the theme of “a healing family festival.”

The festival was jointly hosted by Herald Corp. and Hibrand, featuring products by young inspiring designers. Some 30 local designers participated in the three-day event, not only showcasing their design products but also providing visitors with hands-on experiences in making various items, such as mugs, eco-friendly bags and candles, according to the organizers.

The organizers said this year’s design market attracted a range of visitors that was as diverse as the products on display, from the mother of a daughter who dreams of becoming a designer, to passersby and young students on the prowl for cute and stylish items.

Among the most popular products were a ceramic stand for spoons and chopsticks; modernized hanbok, Korea’s traditional costume; and custom-made Converse shoes, according to the organizer.

“I hope there are more opportunities like this for children to see and be able to participate in making different design products,” said Kim Hyun-joo, a mother of two. On Friday, a musical concert and charitable events were held as side events.

The festival was sponsored by Organica, an affiliate of Herald Corp. that produces an all-fruit and vegetable juice brand called Just Juice, and Hyundai Mobis, the nation’s largest auto parts maker.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)