Although conventional computer programs use efficient and precise optimization algorithms, they can not emulate the problem solving capabilities of human experts. A design optimization process involves a number of tasks which require human expertise and experience. Traditional optimization systems have concentrated on numerical aspects of a design process and have not been successful in integrating the numerical parts with human expertise. On the other hand, most knowledge-based systems focus on symbolic reasoning and have been little concerned with the numerical processes. The objective of this paper is to develop a knowledge-based multiobjective optimum design system which has the capabilities of knowledge processing and numerical computation by integrating the multiobjective optimization method and the knowledge-based system. The knowledge-based system for symbolic processing is developed. Rules for knowledge representation and the inference mechanism of the system are written in LISP. The knowledge-based multiobjective optimum design system is finally developed by integrating the multiobjective optimization method and the knowledge-based system by applying shell programming technique. The system is applied to an optimum design model of a LNG carrier in the preliminary design stage. It is found that the system well simulate design variables and objective functions of the design model.