The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a futuristic landmark by Zaha Hadid. Learn about the architect and the year-round events like Seoul Fashion Week, exhibitions, and Seoul light DDP.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza Architect & Events

Dongdaemun Design Plaza makes me feel like I'm in the future. The architect who designed this place, Zaha Hadid, says, "I don't think that architecture is only about shelter, is only about a very simple enclosure. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think." As she said, it really does excite, calm, and make me think. I think it's really amazing that this one architect's great work still brings excitement, calmness and thoughts to the endless people who see this building every day.

Seoul's landmark, DDP, is easy to get to with a subway station close by and the Seoul City Tour Bus stopping there. Before you go, find out what this place is about, who designed it, what events are happening, and the opening hours and location.

What Is Dongdaemun Design Plaza?

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a mixed-use cultural complex that opened in 2014. It hosts over 100 events annually, including exhibitions, fashion shows, product launches, forums and conferences. The unique architectur has made this building a landmark of Seoul.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a landmark in Seoul

Who Designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza?

Dongdaemun Design Plaza was designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Prize. It was one of her last projects before she passed away in 2016.

The exterior of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by the world-renowned architect Javier Herrero

Does Dongdaemun Design Plaza not have windows?

At DDP, there are no windows. It has 45,133 aluminum panels with holes on the exterior, letting in light. Behind these panels are LED boards for the Seoul Light DDP.

Seoul Light DDP

Dongdaemun Design Plaza collaborates with famous artists, characters, singers, and DJs to create a new light show every year on its 222m exterior wall.

I'm really impressed by this architect once again. The building designed more than ten years ago not only amazes people with its cool look but also, because it was well planned, it can do light shows every year, showing something new each time. It's surprising how one architect can make so many people happy. Come by and check this place out.

  • Seoul Light DDP 2024 New Year Countdown

    • 📆 2023.12.31, 11 PM - 2024.01.01, 1:30 AM
    • At midnight, there is a brief fireworks show lasting 2 minutes.

  • Seoul Light DDP Winter 2023

    • 📆 2023.12.21 - 2023.12.31
    • 🕧 Four 10-minute light shows at 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, and shorter 5-minute shows at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM.

  • Seoul Light DDP Fall 2023

    • 📆 2023.08.31 - 2023.09.10
    • 🕧 8 PM, 8:30 PM, 9 PM, 9:30 PM, 10 PM
The Seoul Light Show at Dongdaemun Design PlazaThe outside of Dongdaemun building shows Seoul Light DDP

Seoul Fashion Week

Dongdaemun Design Plaza hosts Seoul Fashion Week twice a year, once each for S/S and F/W seasons. You need a private ticket to watch the indoor fashion shows, but there are a lot of events and shopping opportunities. Fashion fans, influencers, and photographers are everywhere outside. This looks like fun for anyone into fashion.

  • 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week

    • 📆 2024.02.01 - 2024.02.05

  • 2024 S/S Seoul Fashion Week

    • 📆 2023.09.05 - 2023.09.09

Dongdaemun Design Plaza Opening Hours

🟡 Opening Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM

🔴 Closing Days:

  • January 1st
  • Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day)
  • Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza Location & Subway Station

  • Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
  • Subway Station: Lines 2, 4, and 5: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit 1 or Exit 2
  • Website: 🔗 Seoul Design Foundation

The Seoul City Tour Bus stops at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This hop-on-hop-off bus operates daily from 9:30 am to 6:20 pm. You can easily travel from Myeongdong to Dongdaemun Design Plaza while sightseeing major attractions around the city. Check it out in this post:

Grandpa's Street Crepe Near Dongdaemun

Near Dongdaemun Design Plaza there is a famous crepe stall called Grandpa's Street Crepe. At the stall, a grandfather sells crepes which I heard he taught himself how to make. His crepes are well known for being tasty and very hygienic. He's even been on TV shows and blown up on social media, so there's always a long line.

It was even more smooth and delicious when I had it with ice cream added. The strawberries were alright but not great since it's off season so he uses frozen ones. The long line was the downside, but they were so sweet and tasty.

📍 Location: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exits 13-14 Front Street Vendor.

🕧 Opening Hours: Open daily from 12 PM until sold out (usually within 3-4 hours).

🔴 Closing Days: Closed every second and fourth Tuesday.

💲 Cash and bank transfer are accepted, cards are not.

🍽️ Ingredients:

  • Banana: ₩4,000
  • Strawberry: ₩4,500
  • Banana and Strawberry: ₩5,000
  • Add ice cream or whipped cream: ₩1,000

Wrap-up

If you're going to Korea, I highly recommend spending a few hours at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It's an amazing piece of architecture. You can shop there, take part in free exhibitions or events inside, and it's in a great location with easy subway access.

Credits

The images featured in this post are courtesy of DDP's Website.