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Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Seoul: Modern Hanok Homes Below Bukhansan

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Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을) is a modern hanok (traditional Korean house) village in Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. It was created after Bukchon and Seochon as a newer hanok area, and it forms a historic and cultural village together with Bukhansan National Park and Jingwansa Temple. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) About the Village The land here was sold to individuals on the condition that they build only hanok. Each owner built according to their own taste, so the houses differ in shape and in the color of their wood, which makes them fun to look at. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) Things to See and Do Hanok streets: Walk past houses that each have their own design. Walking paths and cafes: The village has walking paths, cafes and other facilities. Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum: A museum with a rooftop observation deck (admission fee: KRW 1,000). Jingwansa Temple: The temple that gave Jingwan-dong its name is close to the...
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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Seoul: Zaha Hadid's Curving Landmark

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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자), better known as DDP, is a cultural complex in Dongdaemun, Seoul. Its name stands for Dream, Design and Play. Since it opened on March 21, 2014, it has hosted exhibitions, fashion shows, product launches, forums and conferences.

Curved metal exterior of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

About DDP

DDP was designed by the architect Zaha Hadid. Hadid said she focused on the dynamism of Dongdaemun, which changes nonstop from early morning until nightfall, and used her architectural language of curves, curved surfaces and slanted lines to create a space where natural and man-made forms connect without seams.

The complex includes the Art Hall, the Museum, the Design Lab, the DDP Design Museum, the Design Market, Eoulim Square and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.

Outdoor stairway between the curved walls of DDP

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Things to See and Do

  • Art Hall: It has hosted Seoul Fashion Week, the MAMA music awards, a Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition and BMW car launches. It also has an international conference hall.
  • Museum: It has hosted an exhibition on BTS and the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism.
  • Design Lab: Home to "D-Soop," a citizens' lounge opened in 2019 on the theme of "a place where anyone becomes a designer," and the DDP Design Store, which introduces DDP souvenirs.
  • Design Market: Restaurants, a bakery and cafes.
  • Night views: After sunset, when the lights come on, the dynamism of the building's curves stands out.
  • Night photos: Good spots are the entrance path to Eoulim Square and the area in front of the Design Lab doors, between the Art Hall and the Museum.
White curving staircase inside DDP

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Before You Go

  • DDP is open from 10:00 to 20:00. Some spaces may run on different schedules depending on the program.
  • It is closed on January 1 and on Seollal and Chuseok days. Closing days differ by facility, so check the official website.
  • Parking is available.
Yellow and white tunnel-like corridor inside DDP

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Basic Information

NameDongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP (동대문디자인플라자)
Address281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 을지로 281
Hours10:00-20:00 (some spaces vary by program)
ClosedJanuary 1, Seollal and Chuseok days (varies by facility)
ParkingAvailable
Contact+82-2-2153-0000
Websiteddp.or.kr

How to Get There

  • Subway: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4 and 5), Exits 1 and 2.
Corridor with red and white graphic patterns inside DDP

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

This post was prepared using Korean public data (Korea Tourism Organization), but some details may differ from the current situation. Please use it only as a reference for your trip to Korea, and if you need more information, search for the title of this post on Google or another search engine.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI), KOGL Type 1

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