Dongdaemun Design Plaza Tours

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 featuring modern architecture as well as a couple
Dongdaemun Design Plaza showing 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.

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ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Sejong Hotel
The Stay Hue Myeongdong

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Best Lodging Options Near Dongdaemun Design Plaza

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
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
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
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
Travelodge Dongdaemun Hotel

Travelodge Dongdaemun Hotel

3 out of 5
359 Dongho-ro Jung-gu, Seoul
Travelodge Dongdaemun Hotel
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
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
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 enjoy a vibrant shopping experience with numerous boutiques and markets nearby. The area is also known for its striking architecture and design exhibitions, making it a perfect spot for art and design enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the scenic park areas and track spots, ideal for leisurely strolls and capturing memorable photos against a backdrop of contemporary art.

Shopping

Dongdaemun Design Plaza offers a vibrant shopping experience with the nearby Dongdaemun History and Culture Park just 0.1 miles away, showcasing local culture. The Lotte Department Store, a mile away, is perfect for family fun, while The Shilla Duty Free Shop, located 0.6 miles away, is ideal for souvenirs.

Recreation

Seoul Olympic Stadium, located 5 miles from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Ttukseom Hangang Park, 4 miles away, provides a tranquil escape for relaxation. Supsok Hanbang Land, 3 miles from the plaza, features rejuvenating spa treatments for ultimate wellness.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Namsan Cable Car, located 2 miles from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, perfect for adventure seekers. For family fun, visit the SeaLaLa Spa & Water Park, 7 miles away, or enjoy thrilling water attractions at Anyang Water Land, 11 miles from the plaza.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Dongdaemun Design Plaza by catching a show at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, just a mile away, for a blend of culture and entertainment. For a thrilling evening, visit Seven Luck Casino, two miles away, or enjoy family fun at Hannam Bowling Center, also two miles away.

Find the best attractions near Dongdaemun Design Plaza

When visiting Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, immerse yourself in a blend of culture and history by exploring nearby museums, historic palaces, and art galleries. The area is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike, offering a variety of attractions. Don't miss the chance to visit Namdaemun Market and discover the innovative designs showcased at DDP, making your trip a memorable experience filled with local tourist spots and creativity.

  • Myeongdong Street: A bustling shopping district, Myeongdong Street is a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere filled with street food vendors, trendy shops, and beauty stores. It's perfect for family outings and offers a lively outdoor experience.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: As the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace showcases traditional Korean architecture and rich history. Explore its stunning gardens, impressive gates, and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, immersing yourself in Korean culture.
  • N Seoul Tower: Offering panoramic views of Seoul, N Seoul Tower is a modern icon. Take a cable car ride up to the tower and enjoy breathtaking cityscapes, especially at sunset. It’s a romantic spot that beautifully captures the essence of urban Seoul.

Best time to go to Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Visitor numbers around Dongdaemun Design Plaza is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January27.3°F (-2.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.5°F (0.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dongdaemun Design Plaza

To save money during your visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, take advantage of the free entry and consider traveling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for better rates, especially on Wednesdays. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can lead to further savings. Lastly, consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Dongdaemun Design Plaza about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 lets you customize your travel experience by choosing your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can easily sort the results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • 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.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.