Did you know that Seoul was designated as World Design Capital in 2010? The designation is given to cities that effectively leverage design to improve the lives of their citizens. Seoul has become a prominent design hub since then, demonstrating impressive urban landscape that is not only pleasant to its citizens but also tourist-friendly.
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP for short), which is another tourist destination I wanted to see, is a testament to Seoul’s design-orientedness.
The DDP is one of the newest and most iconic landmarks of Seoul, and Korea as a whole. Designed by world renowned British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the DDP is characterized by its neo-futuristic design.
DDP also stands for “Dream, Design, and Play” which is very apt as it serves as a key venue for design-related shows, conferences, exhibits, and other events. It’s comprised of five halls: Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. It was also used as filming location for several kdramas like My Love from Another Star, The Producers, and She Was Pretty.
We visited on a Friday because I wanted to experience the Bamdokkaebi Night Market which happens every Friday and Saturday from March to October this year at several Seoul locations including DDP. Unfortunately, because this was our last stop on our first day and we were already tired so we couldn’t explore as much as we wanted to. I heard there’s an elevated garden and park at the rooftop but we didn’t go there.
The part of DDP I was most excited about was the LED Rose Garden. The photos really couldn’t justify this beautiful space; it’s so much more majestic in person.
And that was the recurring theme of my Korea trip — everything was more majestic in person. I’ve seen these locations so many times on my TV and mobile screen and they looked just like how I imagined them to be, except wayyy better. DDP is really impressive and it would be a waste to go to Seoul without visiting this magnificent work of art. 💯
