[2024 Seoul Attraction] Travel Guide for DDP │ Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Updated Nov)

Trip to Seoul 🇰🇷

It was a shopping trip with sisters to Seoul, Korea. We started our trip at Insadong, a bustling neighborhood blending modern and traditional elements. Insadong’s main street is lined with art galleries, antique shops, and craft stores selling ceramics, handmade paper📄 , and local teas 🍵 . It’s the perfect place to grab souvenirs, but what made it memorable was the photo ops 📸 We explored Ssamziegil, a colorful, open-air shopping complex with unique architecture where you can capture vibrant, quirky shots from the various floors and rooftop garden. 📍44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul A must-visit for anyone in Seoul, Myeongdong is a shopping paradise with countless stores and brand outlets on both sides of the street. We visited in the afternoon to catch the vibrant crowd and colorful 🌈 displays, but evening is also ideal as the lights add a magical glow to the area. It’s the ultimate destination for skincare and cosmetics, where brands like Innisfree, Etude House, and Laneige all have flagship stores. We also tried various street foods like the delicious hotteok and tteokbokki, adding a savory taste to our shopping adventure. You’ll want to snap some shots 📸 with the lively street vendors and the neon-lit storefronts! 📍Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul We also explored Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), which is more than just a shopping location! It’s an architectural marvel. Known for its futuristic design by Zaha Hadid, the DDP is perfect for creative photoshoots. We recommend visiting in the late afternoon and staying until evening when the LED roses light up the plaza, creating a romantic and surreal vibe. DDP is home to fashion shops, exhibitions, and markets. The LED rose garden, especially, is breathtaking and a great backdrop for unforgettable photos 📸 📍281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Lastly, we also visited Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong, a trendy neighborhood with picturesque, tree-lined 🌳 streets and stylish boutiques. Here, we found international brands and unique, high-end Korean fashion labels. The cafes ☕️ are particularly charming, with their chic interiors and cozy outdoor seating, making it ideal for Instagram-worthy photos 📸 One recommendation: arrive around late morning to avoid the heavy afternoon crowd, which gives you the chance to capture this beautiful street in the best lighting. 📍Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Seoul offers such diverse shopping districts, each with its unique charm, vibe, and photo spots 📸 #travelshopping #vacation #trip

Illuminate Your Senses at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

#myhiddengems DPP is a stunning architectural marvel that perfectly blends futuristic design with Seoul's vibrant culture. The fluid, curvaceous exterior is a sight to behold, especially when illuminated at night. Inside, DDP hosts exhibitions, fashion shows, and events, making it a hub of creativity and innovation. The rooftop park offers a peaceful escape with great views of the city. A must-visit for architecture lovers and anyone looking to experience Seoul's modern vibe.

Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza: A Cultural Landmark in Seoul

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is an iconic modern building in Seoul, South Korea, designed by Toyo Ito. Known for its streamlined appearance and avant-garde design, this modern structure serves as a hub for Seoul's urban culture and design. The exterior of DDP features irregular curves and smooth surfaces, utilizing ultra-modern aluminum alloy materials that reflect the changing surroundings. This building is not only a venue for exhibitions and events but also houses a design museum, exhibition halls, and conference rooms, providing flexible spaces for designers and creative professionals. Additionally, it incorporates green design elements, with a rooftop garden and surrounding public spaces offering visitors a place to relax.

🇰🇷 Dongdaemun Design Plaza

An interesting architecture in Dongdaemun and this is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP for short, you can alight at Dongdaemun station and walk over easily. This area is know for its fashion and even wholesaler market which open throughout the night. There are also exhibitions halls inside and there are both ticketed and free events. DDP also stands for Dream, Design and Play and it welcomes artists, children and everyone else . It was also a filming location for a super popular Korean drama. The space is so big here and you can easily get a nice photo with DDP as the backdrop. #fallishere #southkorea #seoul #liveyourdreams #takethattrip

Colorful Streets of Seoul🇰🇷🏙️

Welcome to the capital of South Korea, Seoul!🇰🇷🏙️ Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city where the past and the future coexist✈️ It’s a dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition🛩️ Skyscrapers and high-tech innovations stand alongside beautifully preserved historic sites🚦The Gyeongbokgung Palace, with its stunning architecture, is a testament to Korea’s rich heritage, while the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza represents its cutting-edge design and technology. The city is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of traditional Korean dishes and international cuisines. Seoul’s bustling markets, like Myeongdong and Insadong, provide shopping and cultural experiences, while tranquil escapes like Han River Park offer a retreat from the urban bustle. Seoul is a captivating destination that promises a journey through time, culture, and innovation✈️🇰🇷🏙️. #Seoul #SouthKorea #ModernTradition #CulturalDiversity #Gyeongbokgung #Dongdaemun #CulinaryDelights #UrbanRetreat

Must See Architecture in Seoul

#seoultrip Dongdaemun Design Plaza is often referred to as DPP, an iconic design cultural hub in the historical district of Seoul, designed by world renowned British architect Zaha Hadid. The exterior attracts world photographers and popular tourist destination with its delicate, distinctive and bold, curving shape, smooth and giant mushroom-like structure floating above the ground. With 3 underground levels and 4 above ground levels home to large halls for exhibition, conference, academic and seminar as well as museum, media centre etc for global exhibitions like Team Lab also Seoul’s fashion weeks. Connected to Seoul subway via Dongdaemun History & cultural Park Station on Line 2,4 and5. #seoul #dongdaemundesignplaza #境外遊 #celebratewithtrip #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog #awesomepic #passionpassport #tripblazers #yuppijetrip2015 #yuppijeinseoul2015

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

#seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a major landmark and cultural center located in the Dongdaemun area of Seoul. The unique architectural design of DDP is characterized by its fluid and futuristic curves, creating an eye catching and dynamic structure. The building is made of steel and aluminum panel and its surface gives a sense of movement and innovation. Inside the design museum, visitors can explore interactive exhibitions that showcase Korean design, fashion and cultural heritage

Marvel Building

#seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a multi-cultural complex, which opened on 2014, which was design by Zaha. It is the world's largest three-dimensional building, using 45000++ aluminum panels, and not a single piece is the same. The plaza is home to various exhibition spaces, rest area, souvenir shop and restaurants. You can take the subway to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Line 2, 4 and 5) exit via 1. It's worth visiting the DDP in Seoul both during the day and at night, so is recommended you come around late afternoon. Beautiful sculpture like the Shadow of Shadow-Flower Blossom by Kim Young-won. The Formative Stairs are located indoors and instantly recognizable due to the winding shape that changes on every floor. The neo-futuristic design style of distinctuve curves and shapes are widely recognized, this wonderful building design make both outside and inside a nice place to take pictures.

DDP │ Dongdaemun Design Plaza

A true masterpiece. Beautiful all day, but I love it better at night with all the lights. Best to go around 6pm so you'll have time to first visit the museum inside and then just take photos outside after. I believe the museum closes at 8pm, but you can stay on the grounds until late at night. The exhibits change all the time so there's always something new to see here. #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood

Dongdaemun Design Plaza - Seoul

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a famous landmark designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. It is build as a cultural hub, allowing spaces for people to explore their creativity in art, design and technology. The building has a unique design with free flowing structures and giant sculptures. It is definitely a place worth exploring, with plenty of cafes and artisan shops. The Dongdaemun area itself has plenty of malls, restaurants and even a hike across the city which are all worth exploring. #dongdaemundesignplaza #dongdaemun #seoul #south_korea #architecture

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Also in 2018, we don’t have any plans at night, and coincidentally our hotel located in Dongdaemun (near Dongdaemun History and Culture subway station). So we took a stroll around that area and came across this beautiful place 😂 and it became hit over the yearsss. Seoul is a nice city for a solo traveler, wifi connection are widely spread and free! It is cheaper than other countries too #seoul #ddp #tripblazers

Yellow City bus around Seoul

Wanna go around Seoul on open air top bus, this bus route is one the answer. I would recommend traditional Culture route which will bring one to stop at main cultural related attractions at every stop You can see the ticket booth coming up to the ground after walking up the incline that is in the square after you go out direction of Exit No.1 of the Dongdaemun History and culture park train station.

Seoul’s Instagrammable Spots!

#2023travelwish Autumn Season in Seoul is just camera worthy! In my opinion, camera was invented for this season! Here are my suggestions for your Instagram flex! The Garden of Morning Calm - (can be availed as a package day tour) Anyang Park- best for artsy people who wish to have their shots with less photo bummer! Nami Island- Romantic, Instagram worthy, Post-card shots can be taken here! Starfield Mall (CoeX Library)- who doesn’t like to take their photos taken with a mountain of books as your backdrop? Also, if you are a bookworm, this is your feast! Seoul Tower- we hiked up to the tower. The view was just relaxing and therapeutic for a nature lover in me. Dongdaemun Design Plaza- For those people who love to see unique architecture. In my opinion, this gave me an Amsterdam vibe. Seosomun Shrine- a history museum, with a rich history of Catholicism. For my #2023travelwish I would like to visit Switzerland, mainly Interlaken. It has been my childhood dream! Soon! Soon! #tripblazers Merry Christmas to everyone! :)

Beautiful night view at Dongdaemun plaza

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, aka DDP, is one of the finest and the largest structures in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises the largest fashion hub in South Korea, and they have the greatest arrangements and area for social events and functions. It is the most attractive tourist place in Seoul city, and people come here to buy authentic Korean things at a reasonable rate. Dongdaemun DDP, originally known as Dongdaemun Design Plaza, is located in the city of Seoul, South Korea, and it is one of the major points of urban development. The design and the infrastructure is all futuristic and came out from the sharp and brilliant minds of Zaha Hadid and Samoo. The design is made especially with shuttle guidance, including powerful and sustained broad structures and curved designs. The place is a remarkable structure in Seoul city, and it is the exact center of the fashion hub of South Korea, one of the main highlights of Dongdaemun, the popular tourist spot. #celebratewithtrip

DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza or we can call it as DDP is located in 281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is a unique architecture you can find in Seoul. It is a landmark and culture hub in Seoul. Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, South Korea designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo, with a distinctively neofuturistic design characterized by the "powerful, curving forms of elongated structures". The landmark is the centerpiece of South Korea's fashion hub and popular tourist destination, Dongdaemun, featuring a walkable park on its roofs, large global exhibition spaces, futuristic retail stores, and restored parts of the Seoul fortress. #fallingforfall #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Futuristic public park

DDP is a public park designed by Zaha Hadid and incorporates futuristic elements, while preserving some historic elements. Essentially it almost looks like an spaceship in the middle of Seoul, but upon closer inspection it works nicely by placing itself into the landscape of the surrounding area. There are designer lounges, a museum, a cafe as well as art halls housed inside the funky building. However I think you truly get an idea of the scope and scale of the building. The surrounding park is also a very relaxing place to rest and to stroll around. You'll find traces of the Seoul City wall incorporated into the park as well as pieces from the former Dongdaemun Stadium. Come at night to see it all lit up and in seemingly even more mystical light. #park #design #travel #explore #ddp #seoul #korea

DDP is an architectural beauty that was design by the queen of the crazy structures the late (Zaha Hadid). It’s not your typical exhibition center it’s a place that you can do multiple activities in while enjoying this crazy structural beauty in a district that never sleeps #GiveThanks

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

#koreatrip The DDP is a futuristic architectural landmark in Seoul and a hub for art, fashion, and technology. It hosts exhibitions, events, and a lively night market. The illuminated facade at night is mesmerizing, making it a favorite spot for Instagram photos and creative inspiration. don't miss this place when you travel to south Korea remember to have a nice camera for taking pictures

Architectured by Zaha Hadid, this place is a square with museum and shops market. There are furniture exhibitions, garden and colour walls inside the museum. In DDP shop main character is Hechi.

Unique and innovative building design

We stayed in the Dongdaemun area, and right across from our accommodation was a uniquely shaped building called Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This building has become another landmark of Seoul, and art lovers must come to take photos for social media. The designer of this building is a British-Iraqi architect. It seems to be the same architect as the museum in Changsha. Besides hosting exhibitions, this place also holds fashion shows. There are also lights on at night, making it a great spot for photography.

Step into real life optical illusions

Want an artistic experience outside of a classic art gallery? Want an experience that completely immerses you in a surreal world of shapes and colours? And do you want it to be completely free? Well Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) provides exactly that. Until March 2nd 2025, the DDP is showing the free ‘Colors Shapes Movements’ exhibition. The exhibition takes up most of the plaza’s main building, filling its vast corridor with beautifully arranged optical illusions that fall apart as you venture further in. Aside from the exhibition, the plaza building itself is worth a visit for design lovers. Its distinct architecture and beautiful quirk’s make for a truly unique experience. Even the rooftop’s sliding doors are set at a striking angle! (Not pictured so you’ll have to discover that sight on your own…) #artmuseum #100WaysOfTravel

Korea: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

This is a culture center. We can feel spirit of deceased Zaha Hadid there. The sophisticated, rounded exterior of the building seems to have purified the viewer's mind. The building contains several cafes, so it is a good place to relax and have tea with friends. #dongdaemun #ddp

Exhibition of the French Genius Designer Christian Dior

I was amazed by Christian Dior's dresses at the 'Dior Spirit' exhibition. Dior experimented with various designs for women's dresses, yet he managed to encapsulate timeless classic charm in his creations. The Dior dresses, which reinterpret Dior's unique graceful curves and elegant silhouettes in a modern way, exude both femininity and luxury. I was particularly impressed by how Dior's pursuit of women's elegance and freedom is well reflected in these designs that transcend both ancient and modern times. Address: 281 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul

A Lovely Indoor Date Spot: Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Exhibition

A special indoor date spot where you can experience the world of Hello Kitty, the 'Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Exhibition,' has opened. This exhibition, which is sure to excite any Hello Kitty fan, offers a unique opportunity to see the history of Hello Kitty, loved worldwide for 50 years, all in one place. The exhibition is organized chronologically, telling the story of Hello Kitty's rise to fame from its inception. The exhibition is divided into various themed spaces, making you feel as if you are traveling through Hello Kitty's magical world. You can take memorable photos with adorable Hello Kitty at the cute photo zones and see various artworks and collaboration pieces featuring different versions of Hello Kitty. Especially, the area displaying early products and limited-edition items featuring Hello Kitty will be a meaningful place for fans to reminisce about precious times. Additionally, limited-edition merchandise specially made to commemorate Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary is available for purchase at the exhibition. Items such as mugs, stationery, and dolls featuring Hello Kitty's face are exclusive to the exhibition, attracting much attention. This exhibition is filled with content that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just Hello Kitty fans, making it a perfect indoor date spot for couples. It will be a time to create new memories while sharing stories in Hello Kitty's fantastic world. As you walk through the charming and cute exhibition, you'll find yourself smiling before you know it. The Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Exhibition is only open for a limited time, so if you're looking for an indoor date spot, don't miss out on this opportunity.✨ 📍Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Experience Cutting-Edge Design at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

#koreatrip Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is Seoul’s modern architectural gem, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. With its futuristic curves and expansive spaces, DDP has become an iconic symbol of Seoul’s cutting-edge design and innovation. It hosts a variety of exhibitions, fashion shows, and art installations throughout the year, making it a hub for Korea’s creative industries. The Plaza is also famous for its night markets, where fashion, food, and art collide under the neon-lit skies of Seoul. A visit to DDP is essential for art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone looking to see the modern face of South Korea on their #KoreaTrip.

Architectural Marvel: Dongdaemun Design Plaza's Futuristic Splendor

#koreatrip Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a mesmerizing blend of art, design, and innovation. This curvaceous, aluminum-clad wonder, designed by Zaha Hadid, is Seoul's architectural crown jewel. As I explored its fluid, dynamic spaces, I felt as though I'd entered a futuristic world. The DDP's sleek, neon-lit interior, avant-garde exhibitions, and trendy boutiques captivated me. The surrounding park's lush greenery and vibrant street art added to the complex's allure. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, fashionista, or foodie, DDP is a must-visit destination.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

#koreatrip Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is highly praised for its futuristic architecture and innovative design by Zaha Hadid. Visitors appreciate its unique, flowing structure and the blend of cultural and historical elements. The DDP is also commended for its eco-friendly features and accessibility. However, some reviews mention that it can be crowded, especially during events. Overall, it’s a must-visit landmark in Seoul. Address : 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Dior Spirit Exhibition

Visited the Dior Spirit Exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Christian Dior is a historic designer who borrowed from the curves of women to design modern women's clothing. It was an honor to see the Christian Dior exhibition that showcases such Dior spirit today. Highly recommended for those interested in fashion.

Design Square

#traveldiaries Design Square in Korea is primarily known for its furniture and lifestyle products, but some locations also feature stylish cafés or dining areas within the store. These dining spots usually offer a relaxing atmosphere where shoppers can take a break and enjoy a meal or drink. The food served in Design Square cafés typically includes light meals like sandwiches, salads, and pastries, along with a selection of coffee, tea, and other beverages. The menu is often designed to complement the modern and elegant vibe of the store, focusing on simple, fresh ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. While the main focus of Design Square is on home décor and furniture, the addition of food and drink allows shoppers to have a more enjoyable and leisurely experience as they explore the store’s offerings. It’s a great way to combine shopping with a bit of relaxation in a chic setting.

Architectural Wonder

#travellerswonderland Designed by Zaha Hadid, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is an architectural masterpiece and a hub for design and creativity in Seoul. The futuristic structure hosts exhibitions, fashion shows, and events throughout the year. At night, it lights up beautifully, making it a popular spot for photographers. Tips: • Best Time to Visit: Evening when the plaza is illuminated, creating a surreal atmosphere. • What to Bring: A camera for capturing the plaza’s unique curves and lights. • Don’t Miss: The LED Rose Garden, an art installation with thousands of illuminated roses at night.