Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – a multipurpose cultural complex- is the best representative of Korean modern architecture, a puzzle pieces of the future. The uniqueness and creativity in design made by a world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid (British of Iranian origin), enables DDP surpass all standards of traditional Korean architecture and becomes as the world’s biggest three-dimensional irregular shaped building.
Followed the trend of Neo-futurism – a movement in the arts, design, and architecture using mega truss, variety of shapes and geometry which minimized the use of columns, combined with powerful long curves, DDP has flexible and undulating surface that resembles the flow of liquid.
From helicopter view, it looks like a spacecraft coming from the future. The giant face-less statue at the entrance appears as an alien, step by step discovering the earth.
The lighting system of this building is also a work of art since it brings the magical shimmer to the entire building.
Located in the central district and in Dongdaemun area (Korea’s largest fashion district), DDP is considered the cultural center of Seoul, for people at all ages as it offers a wide and diverse public spaces, including the exhibition hall, conference rooms, design museums, design laboratories, academia rooms, media centers, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.
The internal design of DDP is equally creative and sophisticated. There are rooms that look like the inside of a spaceship. There are angles to create the feeling of standing in a multi-dimensional space, very unique & interesting.
I arrived when the building was about to close, so I didn’t have time to go to all floors of the building. But thanks to that, I had the opportunity to admire its beauty quietly and secluded.
INFORMATION
- Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- How to go: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park subway station, line 2, 4 và 5, exit 1.
- Open hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00
- Ticket: Free
- Time to visit: 2-3 hours, you can come in late afternoon, so that you are able to admire the beauty of the building when it lights up.
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