Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes a sunset, modern architecture and outdoor art
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 featuring 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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Classes & workshops

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Adventure & outdoor

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Popular places to visit


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Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun

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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, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including shopping at the vibrant markets and boutiques nearby. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate guided tours showcasing the striking design of the plaza itself. For a broader experience, sightseeing and rooftop tours offer stunning views of the area, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Seoul's blend of modernity and tradition.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Nearby, the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (161m) and Gwangjang Market (966m) offer unique local finds. Lotte Department Store (1.6km) boasts a mix of entertainment and shopping for the whole family.

Recreation

At the Seoul Olympic Stadium, enjoy invigorating sports activities and soak in the energetic atmosphere just 8.0km from Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Alternatively, experience the vibrant entertainment vibes at Lotte Concert Hall, located 9.7km away, where music and culture come alive in an inspiring setting.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views aboard the Namsan Cable Car, located 3.2km from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. For water fun, visit SeaLaLa Spa & Water Park, 11.3km away, or Anyang Water Land, 17.7km away, both offering thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Dongdaemun Design Plaza is vibrant, with the National Theater of Korea and SACHOOM Theater offering romantic and cultural performances just 1.6km away. For family fun, the Hannam Bowling Center, located two miles away, provides an adventurous arcade atmosphere perfect for a lively evening.

*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 in Seoul offers a vibrant array of attractions including museums, an urban park, and art galleries, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the iconic Dongdaemun Gate and discover various properties within the plaza. Whether you're interested in architecture or local experiences, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a must-visit destination that promises to enrich your travel experience.

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: Immerse yourself in Korea's rich history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning example of traditional architecture. Wander through its beautiful gardens and witness the changing of the guard ceremony, which encapsulates the palace's cultural significance.
  • N Seoul Tower: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul from N Seoul Tower, a modern architectural marvel. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and consider dining at the tower's revolving restaurant for a unique culinary experience while gazing at the city skyline.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses (hanoks) line the narrow alleyways. This historic village offers a glimpse into Korea's past, with cultural workshops and tea houses enhancing your visit.

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

To save money during your visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, consider travelling between January and March, when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, especially for a Wednesday stay, which is the cheapest day. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and look for last-minute deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also yield significant savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the area to maximise your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels at the outset. Furthermore, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Dongdaemun Design Plaza with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.