Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), which means Dream, Design, and Play, is a complex cultural space located in Dongdaemun, Seoul. Since its opening on March 21, 2014, it has been hosting major exhibitions, fashion shows, new product launches, forums, and conferences. It is divided into Alimteo, Baeumteo, Salimteo, DDP Design Museum, Design Market, Eoulrim Plaza, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Alimteo has hosted Seoul Fashion Week, MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards), Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition, BMW new car launch, and is equipped with an international conference hall, a multi-purpose banquet space. Baeumteo, where the BTS-themed exhibition and Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism were held, and Salimteo, which encompasses the citizen lounge 'D-Sup' opened in 2019 under the theme 'Where Everyone Becomes a Designer' and the DDP Design Store introducing DDP-related souvenirs, stimulate visitors' interest with substance befitting its scale. The Design Market, with restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, is a walking course that more than satisfies families or couples seeking emotional recharge.

There is a reason why night view photos of Dongdaemun Design Plaza flood social media. Architect Zaha Hadid, who designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza, stated, 'Focusing on the dynamism of Dongdaemun, which constantly changes from early dawn until nightfall, I created a space where natural and artificial elements seamlessly connect through a unique architectural language of curves, curved surfaces, diagonals, and inclined planes.' The true value of the dynamism added by the curves is revealed when the lights are turned on at dusk and you focus solely on the architecture. A good spot for taking night view photos is the entrance road to Eoulrim Plaza, where you can capture the interior grandeur and the atmosphere created by the building's mysterious materials. The door of Salimteo, which divides Alimteo and Baeumteo, is the peak of the dazzling curves and lighting both inside and outside.