Accessible from Seoul’s Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a complex cultural space that has attracted more than 10 million visitors annually since its opening on March 21, 2014. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, it has hosted a variety of cultural events, including exhibitions, fashion shows, new product launches, forums and conferences.

DDP emerged as a vibrant hub, replacing Dongdaemun Stadium and the Seoul Folk Flea Market, after it opened to the public in March 2014. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this architectural marvel is renowned for its spaceship-like appearance. Adorned by 45,133 glistening silver aluminum panels, it has captivated the public’s imagination since its inception. The New York Times even hailed it as a must-visit place in 2015. Luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci have handpicked DDP for their exhibitions, solidifying its status as a trendy and fashionable venue that has showcased the works of esteemed icons of fashion and design.

A panoramic view of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (Courtesy of the Seoul Design Foundation)

On April 26, the Seoul Design Foundation held a forum to celebrate the anniversary and announce DDP’s new slogan, “Amazing Tomorrow.” According to the SDF, the new slogan reflects the foundation’s commitment to providing experiences that will amaze visitors through its exhibitions, futuristic building design and construction technology.

A picture-taking event at a DDP 10th anniversary celebration (Courtesy of the Seoul Design Foundation ©mediascope)

The forum included an appearance by artist Kang Yi-yun, known for her work in “Connect, BTS,” a global public art project launched in collaboration with the popular K-pop band. Kang spoke about how innovations in artificial intelligence have brought about changes in creativity. Park Hee-yoon, senior managing director of HDC Hyundai Development Co. and author of “Buildings that Changed Tokyo,” shared insights on how to boost Seoul’s competitiveness.

The forum also featured an exhibition of posters created in honor of DDP’s anniversary. The posters were created by 20 designers who have previously exhibited at DDP.

A photo exhibition held at a DDP 10th anniversary celebration (Courtesy of the Seoul Design Foundation ©mediascope) 

A series of events were also held from March 21 to March 24 to commemorate the anniversary. The first event kicked off with a discount on all designer-made items at the DDP Design Store. Each day at 3:21 p.m., winners were chosen in a raffle to buy these goods for just 1,000 won. During the day, tours of DDP were provided focusing on its architecture and history, including exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public. Another tour program allowed visitors to soak in the night views surrounding DDP. 

From May 3 to August 4, E-Land Museum, along with the SDF, is holding an exhibition of global fashion items from the clothing collections of some of the world’s greatest designers. The exhibition features revolutionary Paco Rabanne outfits that incorporated plastic and metal for the first time in the world. The work of Korean artist Yeon Jin-young, who creates clothes from waste denim products and fabrics, is also featured at the exhibition. Video screens display interviews with model Park Sung-jin and fashion designer Jin Tae-ok, who discuss the history and iconic styles of designers and brands.

Seoul Light DDP 2023 was held in December. The event is a massive media light show that utilizes the structure’s 222-meter exterior facade. (Courtesy of the Seoul Design Foundation ©mediascope)

As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations, DDP will host other exhibitions, including those featuring works by iconic designers like Alexander McQueen, Dior and Comme des Garçon, along with design fairs, conferences and the dazzling Seoul Light DDP media show on its facade.

DDP has become a hotspot for design and fashion exhibitions in Seoul. “Amazing Tomorrow” captures its intention to provide Koreans and international tourists an incredible experience through a diverse range of content. With its futuristic spaceship-like design and new slogan, DDP will serve as a source of creativity for Asia and the world.