This sleek, silver structure looks as if an alien spaceship had landed in the middle Seoul. It all makes sense, however, when you realize it’s the work of the late architect Zaha Hadid. Completed in 2014, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (known to locals as DDP) set several new design standards—there are no straight lines or angles to be found in the entire cultural complex. Today, the building and surrounding park provide a space for the exchange of ideas through exhibitions, conferences, and pop-up shops. It’s also the site of Seoul Fashion Week. For a magical experience, visit at night when the entire building is illuminated in a patchwork display and the field behind Exhibition Hall is aglow with more than 25,000 LED white roses.
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Out of This World Design: Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park
Has a giant spaceship landed amidst the high-rises of Seoul? No, it’s only the new Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The futuristic façade encloses multiple museums and exhibition halls, and a design market featuring a myriad of work created by local designers. After exploring the massive interior and purchasing a keepsake or two, take a walk in the sprawling Dongdaemun History and Culture Park outside the building. The park features many historical relics excavated from the site as the Design Plaza was being built and is a unique place for a picnic. 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, +82-2-1330
