Landmark
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a neofuturistic landmark in Seoul's fashion hub, designed by Zaha Hadid. It features curving, elongated forms, a walkable roof park, exhibition spaces, and restored parts of the Seoul fortress. The building connects to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, which displays historical remains excavated during construction.
Don't miss
- Undulating, mushroom-like exterior made of concrete, aluminum, steel, and stone
- Walkable roof park with views of the Dongdaemun district
- Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, featuring excavated fortress walls and Igansumun gate
- Design market open 24 hours a day for cultural events and shopping
- Design lab incubator for emerging product designers
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza
You can see Dongdaemun Design Plaza on your own. A tour is worth it for the story behind it, for transport, or for combining nearby sights into one day.
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Know before you go
- Connected to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station on Seoul Subway Lines 2, 4, and 5.
- The design market is open 24 hours a day.
- The DDP hosts exhibitions from Kansong Museum.
A bit of history
The site was previously Dongdaemun Stadium, Korea's first modern stadium built in 1925 during the Japanese Colonial Period. It hosted national events until the 1988 Seoul Olympics, after which it was abandoned. Demolition began in 2007, revealing historical remains that led to the creation of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. The DDP opened in 2014.
Common questions
Who designed the Dongdaemun Design Plaza?
It was designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, winner of the 2004 Pritzker Prize, along with Samoo.
What was on this site before the DDP?
Dongdaemun Stadium, Korea's first modern stadium built in 1925, stood here until its demolition in 2007.
Can I see historical remains at the DDP?
Yes, the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park on the east side preserves and exhibits excavated remains, including fortress walls and the Igansumun gate.
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