The Seoul Design Foundation will present a major international exhibition, “Seoul Life 2026 Milan – Heritage Reimagined, Soban” at the ADI Design Museum in Milan from April 20 to May 10, 2026.
The exhibition explores contemporary interpretations of soban, the traditional Korean portable table, reimagined through modern lifestyles and design perspectives. By bridging heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, the show highlights how traditional techniques can evolve within today’s global design landscape.
Tradition Meets Technology
“Heritage Reimagined, Soban” brings together traditional Korean craftsmanship – such as woodworking, lacquering and mother-of-pearl inlay – with advanced technologies and digital fabrication methods. The result is a collection of design objects that reinterpret cultural heritage through a contemporary lens.
A total of 17 designers and design teams are participating, including both leading Korean designers and internationally recognized creatives. Among them are Yiyun Kang, Seungji Mun, Odile Decq, and Stefano Giovannoni, reflecting a diverse and global design dialogue.
Opening Event and Program
The exhibition will officially open on April 20, 2026, with a reception held at 4:00 PM in the foyer of the ADI Design Museum. The opening program will feature talks by participating designers and a VIP networking reception. This event is expected to gather professionals from the international design community, fostering exchange between cultures, disciplines, and generations of designers.
A Platform for Cultural Exchange
Through this exhibition, the Seoul Design Foundation aims to position Korean design heritage within a global context, demonstrating how traditional objects like the soban can inspire new forms, functions, and narratives in contemporary design.