The Seoul Design Olympiad 2009 has opened at Jamsil Sports Complex.

About 15-hundred people attended the opening ceremony on Friday, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and about 20 overseas design experts.

The mayor said the olympiad is aimed at helping citizens develop the ability to see the value of good design. He said attempts to improve designs will not be successful unless consumers have a discerning eye.

Under the theme of "i Design," the event will be held in various parts of the city through October 29th.