Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture
Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring a sunset, outdoor art and modern architecture
Dongdaemun Design Plaza as well as a small group of people
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes interior views


Join the masses who snap selfies every year at one of the most Instagrammed sites in South Korea, a UFO-like building that hosts a variety of events. 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza is an instantly recognizable Seoul landmark. Spot a building that looks like an enormous alien spaceship and it is likely to be this spectacular site. The building hosts exhibitions, conventions and other events throughout the year, but many people come here simply to take photos in front of its extraordinary façade.

Though Dongdaemun Design Plaza was only built in 2014, it has already come to hold great historic and cultural significance. It was among the final projects Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid worked on before her unexpected death in 2016. See the design plaza from a distance and notice Hadid’s characteristic flowing lines and curves.

Visit the plaza during the day to see its vast silver surface clearly. At night, the building is even more spectacular, as it is illuminated in bright colors. The busy, brightly lit roads surrounding it add to the futuristic impression.

Book a guided tour of the building ahead of your visit to have an expert lead you around all of its most impressive features or pick up an audio guide at the door. Check the plaza’s event schedule to see what is on before you come. The events taking place here throughout the year are widely varied, including exhibitions, conventions and more. Some events return annually, including HERA Seoul Fashion Week and Seoul Architecture Festival. Kids are also well catered for, with a great on-site program of entertainment for youngsters.

Explore the innovative Dongdaemun History and Culture Park while you are here. The park has been designed to showcase past and present South Korean culture through interactive exhibits. Part of the park is actually on the roof of Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Visit the space-age marvel that is Dongdaemun Design Plaza any day except Monday, when it is closed. Take the bus or the subway to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station, which has excellent connections throughout the South Korean capital.

Reviews of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very interesting building, however they seemed to be 'between exhibitions' when we visited so nothing to see inside.

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Top Hotel Deals

Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun No.2

Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun No.2

3 out of 5
325, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun No.2
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

4 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
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Travelodge Dongdaemun Hotel

Travelodge Dongdaemun Hotel

3 out of 5
359 Dongho-ro Jung-gu, Seoul
Travelodge Dongdaemun Hotel
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Dongdaemun

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Dongdaemun

4 out of 5
226, Jangchungdan-ro Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Dongdaemun
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
Hotel Kukdo

Hotel Kukdo

4 out of 5
164, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
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Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences

5 out of 5
238 Euljiro, Jung Gu, Seoul, KR
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences
Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun 1

Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun 1

3 out of 5
337 Toegye-ro, Seoul, Seoul
Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun 1
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dongdaemun Design Plaza

At Dongdaemun Design Plaza, immerse yourself in a vibrant shopping experience and explore the creative architectural marvel. Don't miss the opportunity to book guided tours or convenient bus tours to discover the area’s rich culture and design. Enjoy the fusion of modernity and tradition while indulging in local cuisine and the bustling nightlife surrounding this iconic landmark.

Shopping

At Dongdaemun Design Plaza, you can explore Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, a vibrant public market only 161m away. For a more extensive shopping experience, head to Dongdaemun Market Mall, located 483m away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. The Shilla Duty Free Shop is also nearby at 966m.

Recreation

Seoul Olympic Stadium, located 8.0km from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Ttukseom Hangang Park, 6.4km away, provides a tranquil space for relaxation. Supsok Hanbang Land, a rejuvenating spa just 4.8km away, invites you to indulge in wellness therapies.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Namsan Cable Car, located 3.2km from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, offering stunning views of Seoul. For water-based fun, head to SeaLaLa Spa & Water Park, 11.3km away, or Anyang Water Land, 17.7km away, both featuring exhilarating rides and family-friendly attractions.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Dongdaemun Design Plaza is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, indulge in thrilling games at the Hannam Bowling Center, or relax with friends at Kokkiri Bowlingjang, all within 1.6km or two of the plaza's cultural hub.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including museums, art museums, and urban parks. This area is perfect for travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and a taste of city life. Explore the unique architectural design while enjoying the various points of interest that showcase the best of Seoul's creativity and heritage.

  • Myeongdong Street: A bustling shopping precinct, Myeongdong is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor vibes. Here, you can indulge in street food, explore trendy boutiques, and experience the lively culture of Seoul.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: This historic palace boasts stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. As the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, it offers a glimpse into Korea's royal past and beautiful gardens, making it a serene escape in the heart of the city.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village: A charming historic village that showcases traditional Korean houses, or hanoks. Strolling through its narrow alleyways allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Korea, with picturesque views at every turn.

Best time to go to Dongdaemun Design Plaza

The best time to visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dongdaemun Design Plaza falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain. The coolest average temperature around Dongdaemun Design Plaza falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.3°F (-2.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.5°F (0.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July77.4°F (25.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December30.7°F (-0.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dongdaemun Design Plaza

For a budget-friendly visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Wednesday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Lastly, keep an eye out for last-minute deals and discounts to secure the most affordable stay while enjoying free activities in the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dongdaemun Design Plaza are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Dongdaemun Design Plaza about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dongdaemun Design Plaza is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dongdaemun Design Plaza is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Dongdaemun Design Plaza with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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