You all probably know Dongdaemun Market, which is famous for its countless market and located in the middle of Seoul. In the middle of these traditional markets and shopping malls, there is a futuristic spaceship-like building called Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (easily known as DDP), built by Zaha Hadid architects, is a blend of traditional buildings, relics and cutting-edge modern multicultural facilities. It opened its doors on March 21st, 2014, after over five years of planning and construction. Seoul Fortress, Igansumun Water Gate (floodgate channeling water from Namsan Mountain to Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoul Fortress), Dongdaemun History Hall, the Dongdaemun Excavation Site, Dongdaemun Sports Memorial Hall, Event Hall, and Design Gallery can all be found at the DDP.
You can also enjoy a fantasyland of flowers at DDP. You can see 25,550 LED roses at the rooftop garden of DDP. Here is definitely a cool place for a romantic date, but it is a good place to visit with family and friends too.
The reason behind the number 25,550 is to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of Gwangbok-Jeol, Korea's version of Independence Day (365 multiplied by 70 equals 25,550). The rose has also been deemed as the most likeable flower by Koreans for 20 consecutive years. (english.visitseoul.net)
If you visit DDP during christmas you can see these beautiful Chrsitmas ornaments near the Dongdaemun Shopping Complex (just next by DDP)
DDP is beautiful both in daylight and night
> Address : 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가)
> Direction :
Get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 4 ,5) and Exit 1.
> Phone : +82-2-2153-0510, +82-2-2153-0000 (DDP facilities guide) +82-1644-1328 (Reservation)
> Operating Hours : 10:00-19:00
* Operating hours extended on Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00-21:00, closed every Monday
> Website : www.ddp.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)