DAEJEON, South Korea – Daejeon is set to significantly elevate its global standing in urban architectural culture following its successful bid to host the International Symposium on Architectural Interchanges in Asia (ISAIA 2026). This major win was solidified on May 19th with the signing of a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Daejeon City and three key architectural organizations.

The agreement, signed in the city hall's main conference room, brought together Daejeon City, the Architectural Institute of Korea, Daejeon Urban Development Corporation, and the Daejeon Institute of Urban Architecture Research (a联合 body comprising the Daejeon Association of Architects, the Korea Institute of Architects, and the Architectural Institute of Korea Daejeon branch). Key signatories included Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, President Park Jin-cheol of the Architectural Institute of Korea, President Jung Kuk-young of Daejeon Urban Development Corporation, and Director Lee Seung-jae of the Daejeon Institute of Urban Architecture Research. Their discussions focused on collaborative strategies to ensure the symposium's success and enhance Daejeon's urban architectural capabilities.

A Catalyst for Urban Architectural Advancement

At the heart of this collaboration is the successful hosting of the 15th ISAIA in 2026. The MOU outlines several critical areas of cooperation: administrative and promotional support for ISAIA 2026, synergy creation through the linkage of ISAIA with the Daejeon Urban Architectural Culture Festival, discovery and promotion of Daejeon's outstanding architectural assets to boost the city's brand, and the joint planning and operation of citizen-participatory programs such as architectural design camps.

ISAIA, or the International Symposium on Architectural Interchanges in Asia, is a leading international event in Asia, drawing over 1,000 architectural experts, professors, researchers, and engineers from more than 15 Asian countries. Since its inception in 1986, the symposium has rotated among major Asian cities, serving as a vital platform for sharing the latest architectural culture and technology through paper presentations, exhibitions, and discussions. The 2026 event in Daejeon is anticipated to significantly bolster the status of architectural culture within Korea.

Connecting with the Community and Boosting the Local Economy

A particularly exciting aspect of Daejeon's hosting plan is the integration of ISAIA with the Daejeon Urban Architectural Culture Festival, a prominent local event. This strategic linkage aims to offer content accessible to citizens of all ages, fostering greater public interest and understanding of urban architectural culture. With an estimated daily attendance of over 2,000 visitors during the festival period, the combined events are expected to inject substantial vitality into the local economy.

Mayor Lee Jang-woo emphasized the profound impact of this agreement, stating, "This MOU marks a crucial turning point in Daejeon's growth into an international, premium architectural city. We will meticulously prepare to widely promote Daejeon's outstanding urban architectural culture both domestically and internationally, ensuring our citizens can enjoy world-class cultural benefits."

Daejeon's Growing Global Presence

Daejeon, often referred to as Korea's "Silicon Valley" due to its concentration of research and development institutions, is increasingly leveraging its intellectual capital and strategic location to attract international events. The city's commitment to urban development and cultural enrichment, coupled with its advanced infrastructure and accessible transportation networks, positions it as an ideal host for a major international symposium like ISAIA. The hosting of ISAIA 2026 is expected to attract further international investment and collaboration, solidifying Daejeon's reputation as a dynamic hub for innovation and cultural exchange in Asia.