EXPLORING SEOUL : DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA // SEOUL SEARCHING 2016

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was one of the places I was very excited to visit. It was so special to me that I made sure I went on my birthday so I can enjoy it on my special day. DDP is the place for architecture, technology and innovation, something I really appreciate. There are two parts to the plaza; the museum and design exhibition hall. I didn’t visit the museum because I didn’t think I would be able to appreciate modern art, if I ever visit Seoul again, I might consider going.

Instead, I visited the design exhibition hall where you can actually purchase some of the items. The place was filled with everything art, design, innovation, just very Tumblr if I have to say. They had novelty art pieces, plants, ceramics, clothes, k-pop merch, souvenirs, fashion accessories; just everything you can think of when you hear the word design. Entrance is free, the only thing you have to pay is your purchases. Some of the things are a bit pricey but you don’t even have to go for the shopping, you can simply go to be amazed and inspired. Koreans are so innovative, they can design things as simple as a water bottle cap.

Around the plaza, there are other art and design exhibitions as well.

For example, the famous LED rose exhibition where thousands of LED lights shaped like roses are planted into soil to look like a meadow. I didn’t come during the night because I didn’t think I would appreciate it but it was definitely interesting even during the day. It was very pretty but I didn’t think I need to see them lighted up to appreciate it. To each his own, yeah.

If you’re done exploring the plaza, you can head on over to DOOTA Mall right across the street. It showcases local fashion designers, all the cool fashion designs took my breath away. The items are definitely super pricey but again, you don’t have to go just for the shopping. When I went to DOOTA Mall, they had a Descendants Of The Sun exhibition on the top floor. I didn’t appreciate it much because I’m not a huge fan of the show but my friend squealed because they brought some of the film locations to the exhibition hall.

The second weekend that I was in Seoul, DDP held a Fashion Show festival where local designers came to showcase their designs and hold sample sales of their latest collections.