Busan Techno Park to Hold 12th Korea AI Footwear Design Contest; Submissions Close on the 30th

[Financial News] A contest to discover creative design talent who will lead the future footwear industry is being held in Busan.
Busan Metropolitan City Government and Busan Techno Park (TP) announced on the 10th that they are holding the 12th Korea AI Footwear Design Contest and will accept entries until 5 p.m. on the 30th.
The contest is open to footwear designs created using AI programs. Participants must submit sketch images showing the design process along with their entries.
The contest has a general division for university and graduate students, adults, and others, as well as a middle and high school division for middle and high school students and out-of-school youths. Entries will be judged based on creativity and AI utilization, which account for 40%, design completeness at 30%, and marketability and feasibility at 30%.
The total prize money is 13 million won. The grand prize in the general division includes the Busan Metropolitan Mayor’s Award and 3 million won. Gold, silver, and bronze prizes for each division, along with sponsor company brand awards, will also be presented.
The final winners will be announced on the 20th of next month. Major winning entries are scheduled to be exhibited at the 2026 Passion & Fashion Busan event, held at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) from the 29th to the 31st of that month. The awards ceremony will take place at the Passion & Fashion Busan venue on the 31st.
Entries can be submitted through the Korea Footwear Design Awards website. Further information is available by contacting the main number of the Footwear Certification Center under Busan Techno Park’s Footwear and Fashion Promotion Division.
Young Ho Kang, head of the Footwear and Fashion Promotion Division at Busan Techno Park, said, "We hope this contest will use AI technology to discover creative footwear designs and talent, serve as an opportunity for new designers who will lead the future to enter the footwear industry, and attract strong interest and participation from aspiring designers."

[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter