As part of the UK/Korea 2017-18 season, UK-based architecture, design and art practice NEON have been commissioned by British Council and the Urban Regeneration Center of the Seoul Metropolitan Government to undertake a month-long residency in the Seoul Station area, which includes the historic Seoul Shoe Street. Currently at threat of extinction due to rapid gentrification and the demand for fast fashion, Seoul Shoe Street is an example of the global issue of the decline in local skilled manufacture. 

The NEON x Seoul Shoe Street project will lead to the creation of 10 bespoke pairs of shoes by 4 Korean makers which will be designed and made based on the tastes and sizings of a group of international designer influencers. Films and social media will tell the story of the creation of the shoes, profiling not just the wearers and their global contexts, but also that of the makers. An exhibition in Seoul and digital campaign will illustrate the deeper and more meaningful emotional bond to an object through an engagement with the maker. 

The exhibition runs 27 October - 12 November at the Junlimdong Warehouse Gallery in Seoul. 

Follow #NEONxSeoulShoeStreet  to keep up to date on the project, learn more about the makers and participants and see the final outcomes.