Seoul has big designs on Dongdaemun

An artist’s rendition of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government

Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park, currently under construction, will be a launching pad for international and local designers to showcase new work, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced yesterday.

In addition, visitors will be able to expand their design horizons by accessing information, expertise and displays at its museum and library.

The development will be four stories above ground and three stories below in an 81,210-square-meter (20-acre) space where Dongdaemun Stadium used to stand. Zaha M. Hadid, who won Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, designed the new venue.

“The Seoul city government unveiled strategies to turn Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park into an international mecca for design trendsetters, investment and information,” said Chung Kyung-won, chief design officer of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Design Seoul Headquarters.

The development will be completed in December 2011 and will open in June 2012.

By Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr]