Dongdaemun Design Plaza

A public complex cultural space themed around design, featuring conference halls for exhibitions, fashion shows, and conferences, as well as museums, galleries, cafés, kids’ zones, food courts, and design stores.

Access by subway

Line 2,4 and 5 Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station

Information

Considered an outstanding example of postmodern architecture, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has established itself as a representative tourist attraction in Seoul since its completion in 2014. This building, known for its artistic and innovative design, was constructed with a budget of approximately 480 billion KRW and features the eye-catching curves designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

Initially, it faced criticism for excessive spending on a public building, failure to preserve historical elements due to damage to artifacts discovered at the construction site, and a unique design that didn’t harmonize with the surrounding area. However, it has since become a landmark visited by more than 7 million people annually. In January 2015, it was also selected by The New York Times as one of the ’52 Places to Go’ in the world.

DDP, which consists of three underground floors and four above-ground floors, is located on the site of the former Dongdaemun Stadium and reaches a maximum height of 29 meters. It is the world’s largest three-dimensional non-linear architectural structure, designed by Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid, who regularly draws inspiration from the beautiful sand dunes she frequently saw during her childhood. The exterior of the building is composed of 45,133 aluminum panels, each processed into different shapes and curvatures, creating a diverse array of non-linear forms.

DDP is also popular as a venue for various exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, as well as a popular spot for dates. Both the interior and exterior of the building feature numerous photo spots, and it stands out even more at night with its beautiful lighting.

Useful tips for tourists

The interior and exterior of DDP can be complex, so you might get lost, and there may seem to be a lack of shopping and dining options. Instead of rushing towards specific destinations, if you take your time and wander freely, appreciating the beautiful architecture and exhibition culture, you can fully enjoy the charm of DDP. If your shopping needs are not met, you can satisfy them by using the nearby large shopping malls.

Space layout

Notification Zone: Areas used as exhibition spaces or galleries, including Hall 1, Hall 2, and the International Conference Hall.
Learning Zone: Suitable for museum exhibitions, consisting of the Design Museum, Design Exhibition Hall, Design Walking Trail, and the Museum Café.
Living Zone: Includes Hall 1, Hall 2, the Lawn Lounge, and the Design Sharing Hall, primarily showcasing design products from various design firms.
Design Market: A small-scale, multi-functional store combining cultural content, experiences, and shop-in-shop concepts.
Harmony Plaza: Aimed at providing convenience to visitors and revitalizing the surrounding commercial area.
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park: Includes the Design Gallery, Stadium Memorial Hall, and Dongdaemun History Museum.

Home Page, Opening hours

Home Page
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but hours may vary depending on the space.

Places around

Heunginjimun Gate(Dongdaemun Gate) 및 Heunginjimun Gate Park