ABOUT

PIN UP Design Awards is one of Korea’s leading design awards, dedicated to advancing the design industry and promoting excellence in design.

Since its origin as the Korea Industrial Design Awards in 1997, PIN UP Design Awards has recognized outstanding design achievements that contribute to industrial innovation and social progress. The awards evaluate design outcomes across diverse fields—including industry, technology, culture, and the environment—through comprehensive criteria such as creativity, innovation, user experience, sustainability, and social impact.

By celebrating the achievements of designers, companies, and institutions, PIN UP Design Awards aims to highlight the value of design, inspire future industries, and strengthen design competitiveness.

More than a recognition of excellence, PIN UP Design Awards serves as a trusted benchmark of quality and innovation, helping outstanding designs demonstrate their value in both domestic and international markets. We remain committed to supporting the transformative power of design in creating a better life and a more sustainable future.

Hosted by
Korea Innovation Design Association
KIDA Web site

History

Present

  • Recognized as one of Korea’s leading design awards, continuing to promote excellence in design and contribute to the advancement of the design industry.

2024

  • “Designer to Watch” Award presented to
    ATHOME / Chung Dongmin, Jang Myungjin (dORIGIN)
  • “Design Management Award” presented to
    FURSYS Group

2023

  • Reorganized award categories to broaden the platform for discovering innovative design achievements across industries
  • Launched the “Design of the Year” Special Award
    한Created to recognize outstanding design achievements that made a meaningful impact on the design community and to promote the social value of design Launched the [Notable] Design of the Year in 2023
  • Award Recipient:
    OD Korean Lacquered System Table / OD X JAKOMO Co., Ltd.

2021

  • Established a digital operating environment and upgraded the online judging system

2019

  • Expanded award categories and reorganized evaluation classifications to reflect changes and emerging trends within the design industry

2017

  • Established a more structured evaluation framework and expanded the operation of expert judging panels
  • Enhanced the review process through discipline-specific evaluation criteria

2015

  • Introduced an online submission system and enhanced the judging process
  • Strengthened its role as a design certification platform recognizing achievements by companies, institutions, and designers from Korea and abroad

2012–2014

  • Co-hosted with Economy Plus Magazine

2010

  • Strengthened global engagement by appointing a former President of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) as Jury Chair and implementing an evaluation system reflecting international perspectives

2009

  • Expanded beyond product-centered industrial design to establish a comprehensive design award system covering communication, spatial, service, and other design fields

2008

  • Renamed as the PIN UP Design Awards
  • Introduced a new brand identity and transformed into a design award encompassing a broad spectrum of design disciplines

1997

  • Establishment and launch of the Korea Industrial Design Awards