[Maison&Objet] Livingcare: “Targeting the European Market with Eco-friendly Technology and Design-forward Water Purifiers”

The Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) participates annually in Maison&Objet Paris, the international fair showcasing "decoration, design, and lifestyle" consumer goods. KIDP's Design Korea Exhibition Hall at the event has served as a steppingstone for small and medium-sized businesses with design excellence to reach broader exposure and market opportunities.
This year, KIDP is participating from September 5 to September 9, joined by Korean design businesses showcasing furniture, stationery, tableware, and more. In collaboration with IT Donga, we are introducing 23 design-driven small and medium enterprises participating in Maison&Objet Design Korea.


Thermoelectric semiconductors convert electricity into heat or heat into electricity, depending the flow of electricity. Because of this, they have heating and cooling applications in various fields.

Livingcare is a vertically-integrated manufacturer of electric semiconductors based in Korea. From raw materials to finished products, the company has applied its technological prowess to manufacturing hot and cold-water purifiers.

Livingcare CEO Kwon Taeg-Ryul says, "Unlike compressor-based refrigerant cooling that can contribute to air pollution, thermoelectric semiconductor solutions are eco-friendly and energy-efficient with no power consumption during standby. No compressor means no noise, and the compact design means a more flexible countertop footprint."

Livingcare offers four purifier product lines: Pearl, Jewel, Onyx, and Opal. Each line offers room temperature + hot + cold purifiers, as well as room temperature + hot water purifier products. All products are storage-tank-free.

Livingcare Jewel series purifiers / source: Livingcare

CEO Kwon explains, "Tankless is hygienic as it removes water stagnancy. It immediately dispenses purified water at the desired temperature without capacity limitations. The automatic Smart Care feature self-monitors and cleans the water conduit when the purifier has not been used over a certain period."

Design is another merit for Livingcare purifiers, offering color options to meet consumer preferences. CEO Kwon says, "We've received many compliments on our designs at domestic and international exhibitions like IFA in Berlin, CES in the US, and Aquatech in Shanghai. Encouraged by this positive feedback, we've submitted our designs and won awards from Global Premium Living Goods and Good Design."

Purifier colorways / source: Livingcare

KIDP recognized these achievements, selecting Livingcare to participate at KIDP’s Korea Design Exhibition at this year's Maison&Objet Paris, the largest trade fair in the consumer decoration and design world.

CEO Kwon stated, "Through this participation in Maison&Objet, we aim to introduce the Livingcare brand, technology, and products to France and more broadly, Europe. We look forward to gaining insight into European market trends and making new connections."

Faucet-type purifiers / source: Livingcare

Livingcare plans to launch their faucet-type hot + cold water purifying faucet H2 this year, freeing up the countertop. Carbonated water purifier is also under development, aiming for release in H2 2025, following popular requests from European buyers at IFA, CES, and Aquatech.
Livingcare’s thermoelectric semiconductor application goes beyond water purifiers. CEO Kwon proudly shares, "Thermoelectric semiconductors are eco-friendly and energy-efficient, enabling cooling without refrigerants. Based on this, we're developing safe and reliable direct water purifiers and thermoelectric system-driven high-precision temperature control technology for semiconductor equipment. Our goal is to deliver excellent solutions that minimize even minor inconveniences in all fields requiring temperature control."

CEO Kwon Taeg-Ryul / source: Livingcare

Livingcare also plans to lead Korea’s thermoelectric semiconductor industry. CEO Kwon states, "Thermoelectric semiconductor technology is deeply embedded across multiple industries, from direct water purifiers to memory semiconductor temperature inspection and evaluation equipment. Since the very beginning and through difficult challenges, we pursued excellence and pioneered new paths, making the best of our extraordinary technological capacity and introducing it to new industries. Moving forward, we aim to establish our position as a global leader, leveraging our exceptional R&D capacity to launch innovative products, and enhance our brand image for broader consumer interest.”
"Our goal as a global leader in the thermoelectric semiconductor industry is to host a conference that brings together global companies and academic societies relevant to our field. We wish to bring attention to the excellence of our technology and create synergies through cooperation with various industry domains."

Kwon Taek Kyeong (tk@itdonga.com)