Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also well known by its initials, DDP is probably the most iconic landmark in Dongdaemun. It is located at the center of the Dongdaemun area. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the worldโs largest atypical architecture designed by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid. DDP also stands for Dream, Design, and Play. It consists of various shops, museums, and also serves as venues for performances, shows, activities, and exhibitions where you can dream, design and play. Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a multi-cultural complex where new design trends start and cultures are exchanged.
DDP Facilities
The DDP is divided into five halls, Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.
Art Hall
The Art Hall is the primary launch venue for the Korean creative industry. Conventions, product launch shows and events, trade shows, exhibitions, concerts, performances, fashion shows, production presentations, and international forums are held here.
Museum
The Museum Hall comprises five subdivisions: Design Pathway, Design Museum, Design Exhibition Hall, Museum DDP Store, and DDP Archives. Design Exhibition Hall is an exhibition area to present the cutting-edge design and fashion trends. Visitors meet traditional Korean culture and design in the Design Museum.
Design Lab
You can find here stores that sell souvenirs related to the DDP and symbolic attractions of Seoul. A Kakao Friends Store is also located here selling a wide range of lifestyle products featuring designs based on the famous Kakao Friends characters.
Design Market
The Design Market is a multipurpose hall that links shopping, culture, and experiences.
Dongdaemun History and Culture Park
The park is split into sections; Yigansumun Exhibition Hall (a multi-purpose hall for holding diverse programs including design work exhibitions, performances, and events), Dongdaemun History Museum ( a regular exhibition hall for Dongademunโs cultural properties), Dongdaemun Stadium Memorial (exhibition hall reinterpreting the history of Dongdaemun Stadium), and Gallery Mun (a design gallery open to everyone).
DDP Rose Garden
My favorite area in DDP is the Rose Garden. It was so beautiful and magical during the nighttime. Thousands of LED roses light up as the sun sets, creating a magnificent and enchanting garden of white roses.
Korean Dramas Filmed Here
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)is a well-known spot in Seoul. It is very popular not just because of the unique design of the building and park but also as a shooting location for K-dramas. This iconic landmark in Seoul was featured in many Korean dramas such as Record of Youth (2020), My Love from Another Star (2013-14), Love Alarm (2019), She Was Pretty (2015), My First First Love (2019), Perfume (2019), Are You Human? (2018), The Producers (2015), and Fated to Love You (2014).
DDP is indeed an iconic landmark in Seoul, a must-visit site that you would not want to miss!
Hours of Operation
- Open daily
- Note: Hours vary per store
Admission Fees
- Free
- Note: Fees vary by event and experience program
How to Get There
- Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- By Subway:ย Take the Seoul Subway Line 2,4 or 5, get off at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, and exit viaย Exit 1.ย (Closest from the B2 level entrance to Oullim Square, the Design Market, the Design Lab, and the Museum). Or, exit viaย Exit 2ย (Closest to the first-floor entrance of the Design Lab and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park entrance (near Gallery Moon and underground parking lot))
- By Bus:ย Take Blue Bus No.ย N13, N16, N30, 105, 144, 261, 301, 407, 420, N62, 202, 507; Green Bus No. 2014, 2233, 7212, 2012, 2015; or Red Bus No 9403 and get off at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Bust Stop. You can also take a Green Bus No. 2012 and get off at Dongdaemun Design Plaza Bus Stop.ย
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