Seoul City is recruiting fashion merchants and designers for the Dongdaemun K-Fashion Order Exhibition, aimed at revitalizing the area and connecting with international buyers.
Seoul City is actively recruiting merchants and designers to participate in the upcoming Dongdaemun K-Fashion Order Exhibition, slated to take place at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) for a duration of 45 days, beginning from March 25 until May 8. The application period for interested participants is open until March 17.
The city announced the event on March 3, highlighting its objective to revitalize the Dongdaemun area by creating opportunities for order consultations with prominent international buyers from regions such as China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. A total of 90 fashion merchants and designers with design experience in Dongdaemun are expected to be selected for participation in this exhibition. Brands looking to be part of this event can access and download the application form from the announcements on the Seoul City website and the Seoul Fashion Hub website.
This exhibition is a segment of the broader ‘Dongdaemun K-Fashion Brand Development Project.’. Following a successful pilot project last year, the city has decided to advance with the main initiative in 2023. The pilot project, which ran for three months starting in September 2022, aimed to enhance branding and facilitate the development of both online and offline sales channels for Dongdaemun merchants. Reportedly, during the order exhibition from December 18 to January 31, the project resulted in 700 million won in on-site orders by attracting domestic and international buyers. Furthermore, events such as knowledge concerts featuring success stories of successful Dongdaemun merchants were organized to bolster awareness and inspiration.
Historically, Dongdaemun has been regarded as a fashion nucleus, driving the growth of the domestic fashion sector until the early 2000s. However, in recent years, merchants have encountered challenges stemming from shifts in consumer preferences towards online shopping and difficulties related to sourcing raw materials from China. In response to these issues, the city is making concerted efforts to support Dongdaemun’s unique strengths in domestic manufacturing and distinctive designs, aiming to position the area as a leading center for K-Fashion.
Joo Yong-tae, head of the Economic Office of Seoul City, commented on the prevailing challenges faced by the sector, including economic conditions marked by high prices, high interest rates, and high exchange rates, as well as competition from the Chinese market. He expressed optimism about the growth potential of Dongdaemun fashion in the global market, citing the sector’s advantages in domestic manufacturing, stylish designs, and superior quality. Joo emphasizes the importance of active participation from competitive fashion merchants and designers from Dongdaemun to leverage these strengths.
Source: Noah Wire Services
