A silver-skinned spaceship landed in the heart of Seoul's fashion district.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP; Korean: 동대문 디자인 플라자) 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. The DDP has been one of the main reasons for Seoul's designation as the World Design Capital in 2010. Construction started in 2009, and it was officially inaugurated on 21 March 2014. It is physically connected to Seoul Subway via Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station on Line 2, 4, and 5.
Featured in Zaha Hadid's definitive monograph, Zaha Hadid. Complete Works 1979–Today. 45th Ed.
Visitor Guide
Go at night to see the 'Seoul Light' festival, a 222-meter media facade projection across the building's curved surface.
The rooftop park of the adjacent Doota Mall at 7:00 PM for a top-down view of the illuminated curves.
Exterior park is free 24/7. Design Museum and Exhibition Halls open 10 AM – 8 PM; tickets vary by exhibition (typically 15,000 KRW).
The facade consists of 45,133 unique aluminum panels, each shaped by a multi-point stretch forming machine.
2-3 hours
Design & Structure
The first public project in Korea to use 3D BIM for the entire construction process, enabling the coordination of a massive, pillar-free interior.
Silver anodized aluminum panels and exposed concrete; the metal skin reflects the changing light of the city.
Space-frame construction allows for vast interior voids and a seamless transition between the park and the building.
See Together
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza?+
Dongdaemun Design Plaza was designed by Zaha Hadid and completed in 2011. It is located in Seoul, South Korea.
Where is Dongdaemun Design Plaza located?+
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is located in Seoul, South Korea. Its coordinates are 37.5669°, 127.0094°.
When was Dongdaemun Design Plaza built?+
Dongdaemun Design Plaza was completed in 2011. It was designed by Zaha Hadid.
Can I visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza?+
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a real building in Seoul that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.