Major Attractions in Dongdaemun(DDP)

Index

• Seoul Dongdaemun Tour: Design Plaza & History Park Guide
• Introduction to Dongdaemun
• Major Attractions in Dongdaemun(DDP)

 

Seoul Dongdaemun Tour: Design Plaza & History Park Guide 

Dongdaemun, a major tourist destination in Seoul, is a vibrant commercial district located in the heart of Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Visitors come from all over the world to see the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. With shopping centers and a world-famous market, Dongdaemun promises visitors a chance to explore a lively part of the city, both for tourists and locals. With over 30,000 specialty stores, Dongdaemun is one of the largest shopping destinations in the world. There are so many things to see and do that visitors may want to set aside a few days to see as much as possible. While the scale of Dongdaemun can be daunting, visitors can create an itinerary to make the most of their time. 

 

Introduction to Dongdaemun

dongdaemun

 

Dongdaemun is a district with a mix of tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants. It is a place where modern shopping centers and traditional markets coexist. Located around Dongdaemun Gate, a major landmark in South Korea, Dongdaemun is designated as a "Tourism Special Zone." It is home to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a city development landmark with large exhibition space, rooftop park, and ultra-modern shops. Other attractions in Dongdaemun include the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, which showcases centuries of Korean history. With its interesting architecture, history, culture, amazing food, and variety of shops, Dongdaemun beckons visitors to Seoul with something to offer every type of traveler. 

 

Major Attractions in Dongdaemun(DDP) 

 

Visit Dongdaemun History & Culture Park

The Dongdaemun History & Culture Park is a place where the old and the new coexist. The park commemorates centuries of Korean history and culture near some of Seoul's most modern attractions. While not everyone may want to visit the shops when visiting Jung-gu, this is a fun cultural attraction for visitors of all ages. Originally the site of the Joseon Dynasty military center, the park literally tells the story of Korean history with artifacts and precious keepsakes. Over 1,000 artifacts are on display, which stands in stark contrast to many of the modern wonders in the area, such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The park is easily accessible via public transportation, such as buses and subways, so it can be added to your itinerary. 

 

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza

DDP

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, built to replace the Dongdaemun Stadium, is one of the city's most famous buildings with its futuristic design. Abbreviated as "DDP," the plaza features long, curving lines and ultra-modern features, such as a rooftop park. The plaza is connected to a subway station and the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the plaza helped Seoul to achieve its status as World Design Capital. While shoppers may want to visit the sleek shops, other shoppers may enjoy the knowledge that the building features eco-friendly features, such as solar panels and a recycled water system. Since its completion in 2011, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza has attracted millions of visitors looking for a unique place to shop in Seoul. Visitors should be aware that the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is full of attractions and it can take a significant amount of time to see them all. Many of these attractions are focused on design. 

Notable Attractions at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Design Museum
Design Trail
International Conference Center
Art Halls 1 & 2
Design Sharing Hall
Design Shop
Learning Center
Convergence Plaza
Rooftop Park
LED Rose Garden (a must-see at night)

Dongdaemun Market: Seoul's Fashion Hub

Dongdaemun Market is Seoul's true fashion hub, known for its low prices and endless stores. The market has just about everything to do with fashion, from shoes and accessories to casual wear and wedding dresses. It's a place where you can find clothes at wholesale prices and even create your own custom designs. 

Explore Dongdaemun's Shops and High-Rise Shopping Malls

Dongdaemun Market is filled with shopping malls and street vendors. In fact, if you're short on time and don't mind skipping cultural attractions like the History Park, you may want to head to one of the upscale street shops or shopping centers for a few quick bargains before your flight. Dongdaemun is home to several high-rise shopping centers, many of which are open until 5am. While fashion is the most popular item for sale in Dongdaemun, there are also stores selling other types of merchandise. Many of the shopping malls have parking, but it's also convenient to get around Dongdaemun via public transportation. Taxis are also available. 

Popular Attractions in Dongdaemun

While many people flock to Dongdaemun day and night, there are a few natural and cultural attractions that visitors may want to check out. In addition to the History Culture Park, there are also some great options to enjoy at the rooftop park of Dongdaemun Design Plaza! Many of the buildings here offer tours. Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of the most popular buildings in the area for guided tours. If you're feeling tired after shopping in the morning or afternoon, you may want to check out SPARX, located on the basement 3rd floor of Good Morning City. It has an ice room, dry sauna, and other spa facilities. The spa offers a variety of spa treatments to revitalize visitors after a day of shopping at Dongdaemun shopping malls. 

Things to Do in Dongdaemun Besides Shopping

Take a Seoul bus tour
Visit the Hanyang Fortress Museum
Visit the Dongdaemun History Museum
Visit the Dongdaemun Stadium Memorial Hall
Visit the Ewha Mural Village
Relax at Naksan Park
Visit the Chungmu Art Center
Take pictures at Changdeokgung Palace
Take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream
Attend an event at Jangchung Gymnasium
Visit the galleries and cafes in Insadong
Watch a movie at the Dongdaemun Megabox
See the outdoor installation art outside of Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Food

Can you really explain culture without discussing food? Dongdaemun may be a fashion hub, but it's also home to great food and delicious street food that can satisfy even the hungriest shoppers. There are restaurants and cafes inside or near each shopping mall. While some food tours cover Dongdaemun, most focus on the bargains. Thus, the restaurants here tend to be geared towards shoppers. Dongdaemun visitors will find coffee shops, tea houses, bars, and restaurants. Many of the bars also serve food. The streets are filled with popular Korean street foods like fish cakes, Korean fried chicken, Korean fried fish, dumplings, sushi, and the ever-popular pajeon. While Korean food is the most popular option, this tourist-friendly area also has bars and restaurants serving international cuisine. Dongdaemun also has fast food restaurants like Burger King and KFC.

Dongdaemun Nightlife

Dongdaemun has plenty to do at night. As mentioned, many of the shopping centers here are open until midnight. If you're looking for something to do besides shopping, Dongdaemun's nightlife is the answer. For example, you can go to a Korean barbecue or karaoke, or watch street performances in a nearby park. You can also check out a bar or pub. Dongdaemun's clubs feature musical performances or DJs. Many travelers book hotels in this part of Seoul for the vibrant and bustling city life. If you're looking to enjoy Dongdaemun's nightlife, you won't be bored. While other areas of Seoul are better known for their vibrant nightlife, Dongdaemun has some great nightlife options. 

Things to Do in Dongdaemun at Night

The Griffin
Hidden Track Pub
Forest of Music
Southside Parlor
Nairobi Café & Pub
The Lounge

 

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