KT&G (CEO Bang Kyung-man) is currently accepting applications for the “2025 Sangsang Madang Design Challenge”, a competition designed to support the launch of emerging designer brands in Korea. Applications will remain open until August 18.

Initially launched in 2013, the Sangsang Madang Design Challenge has grown into a major platform for up-and-coming designers to be discovered. The program has provided opportunities for collaboration with leading design brands, product development, and participation in mentoring programs, becoming a recognized gateway for emerging talent. To date, the competition has attracted more than 3,000 participants. This year, three finalist teams will be selected.

The 2025 competition invites submissions of comic and character illustration designs centered around the theme “How to Be Nice”, encouraging artists to tell personal anecdotes through visual storytelling.  Applicants can participate by reposting the official contest post on Instagram with the designated hashtags. Additional information is available on the KT&G SangSang Madang website (www.sangsangmadang.com). 

Kim Kang-min, Head of KT&G’s Cultural Contribution Department, stated, “For the past 10 years, the Sangsang Madang Design Challenge has been dedicated to discovering promising designers and helping them grow into creative professionals. We look forward to even more participation from aspiring artists in the 2025 edition.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, KT&G SangSang Madang has grown into one of Korea’s leading multi-cultural spaces that support creative activities and connect the public with art. The facility attracts around 3.2 million visitors annually. Since its launch as an online community in 2005, SangSang Madang has expanded into five offline multi-cultural spaces in Hongdae, Nonsan, Chuncheon, Daechi, and Busan—hosting over 3,000 artistic and cultural programs every year.