South Korea Seoul Trip Part 6: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

ソウル 東大門デザインプラザ(DDP) アイキャッチ画像

[Introduction]

I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, in early September. Although I was not blessed with weather at all, I enjoyed the trip as the food was delicious and people were kind. In this article, I will write about Dongdaemun as part of Day 2. I was fascinated by the curved design of “Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)”.

[Visit Places (series of articles)]
* Day 1: Fly to Gimpo International Airport
* Day 1: Myeong-dong
* Day 1: Myeong-dong (Light-up)
* Day 2: National Museum of Korea
* Day 2: War Memorial of Korea
* Day 2: Dongdaemun [This Article]
* Day 2: Dongdaemun (Light-up)
* Day 3: Gyeongbokgung Palace
* Day 3: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art etc.
* Day 3: Seoul Station
* Day 3: Seoul Station (Light-up)
* Day 4: Coex Aquarium and Starfield Library
* Day 4: Lotte World
* Day 4: Lotte World (Light-up)
* Day 5: Paradise City
* Day 5: Return Home from Incheon Airport & Stay Overnight at Narita Airport

[Travel Date]
2018.09.05-09

[Main Part]

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Following the previous post, I moved from “War Memorial of Korea” and came to “Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station” by subway.""

I will go around Dongdaemun area, one of the most representative areas along with Myeong-dong, for the rest of the second day of my South Korea Seoul trip.

To begin with, I visited “Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)”, which was directly connected with “Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station”.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)1

“Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)” is the iconic landmark of the Korean design industry, which was opened in 2014. It was designed by Zaha Hadid and divided into the five areas – Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

I went around the facility to see its exterior.""

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I dropped by a cafe to take a rest.""

The interior was also full of art.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)2

There was a piano outside the building and everyone can play it freely.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)3

Then, I will go around the inside.

A start-up event was held at the art hall.""

Here is a photo of the museum.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)4

The staircase was also artistic.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)5

The design lab was a world of monochrome.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)6

I felt as if I were in an SF movie.Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)7

Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)8

Dakhanmari Alley

I left “Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)” for the time being to have an early dinner. Just like Myeong-dong, there were lots of restaurants in Dongdaemun. Among a variety of options, I decided to visit “Dakhanmari Alley” where Dakhanmari restaurants gathered.

A scene on the way. Dongdaemun was originally developed as a wholesale district, so there were lots of wholesaler shops.""

There were also abundant eating places.""

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I arrived at the “Myeong-dong Dakhanmari” main restaurant.""

“Myeong-dong Dakhanmari” is a Dakhanmari (a hot pot dish of whole chicken) restaurant and has three restaurants in “Dakhanmari Alley”. I visited its main restaurant.

In the restaurant.""

Condiments and oolong tea.""

Staff prepared dishes in front of me.Dakhanmari1

Chicken was simmered for 10-15 minutes.""

While some Dakhanmari restaurants provided Dakhanmari for more than two people, it was available for one person in “Myeong-dong Dakhanmari”, which was helpful to me.""

I went out of the restaurant and found it was getting dark.""

“Dakhanmari Alley” became more attractive with light-ups.""

There were also several restaurants that specialized in grilled fish.""

Then, I will take evening photos in Dongdaemun.Seoul Dongdaemun Dakhanmari Alley

[Closing]

That’s it for the article about Dongdaemun as part of Day 2.

Zaha Hadid, who designed “Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)”, is often referred to as “Queen of the curve”. When I watched “Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)” in my eye, I was fascinated with its curved design 🙂

In the next article, I will write about evening scene in Dongdaemun as part of Day 2.

[Map]

1. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
2. Myeong-dong Dakhanmari Main Restaurant

[Related Link]
Visit Seoul – The Official Travel Guide to Seoul
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

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