An annual design festival led by Herald Corp. kicked off Friday with an aim to better support and introduce innovative products by local leading designers, the company said.

Calling itself “a design culture festival enjoyed by all in one fine summer day,” the 3rd Hi, Design Festival offers programs including product markets, hands-on experiences and one-day classes until Sunday in Yangjae-dong, Seoul.

Herald Corp. is jointly hosting the annual event with HiBrand Shopping Mall which has continuously supported novice and leading designers to pave a way for them to succeed in the design field.

At the Design Market, visitors can check out items made by some 40 promising designers, from products for pets to leather items, kitchen utensils and fashion accessories. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visitors can also try out design work. For about 3,000 won to 7,000 won, they can make “paper toys,” which can be used as gift boxes or cards.

The three-day event also offers chances to make accessories.

On Saturday, an event will be held at 2 p.m. to distribute bags filled with random design products. Each bag is priced at 10,000 won.

On Friday, the Hi, Design Festival offered a one-day design class for the first time. Renowned leather designer Park Jun-seong, who runs murmure.design, showed participants how to make a passport cover with leather

More information about the Hi, Design Festival is available at www.heralddesign.co.kr.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)