Once, Seoul fearlessly proclaimed itself the leading city of modern architecture. For half a century, under the intense scrutiny of the whole world, it turned from the poorest city into a huge metropolis. The metropolis of multifunctional futuristic buildings harmoniously integrating with the historical landscape. A prime example is Dongdaemun-gu, a small Seoul district combining green parks, ancient sights and modern constructions. It combines nature and technologies, traditions and innovation. This contrast is better noticeable during shopping. Where else can you see such different and, at the same time, complementary, old markets and fashionable malls?

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a multi-purpose shopping and entertainment complex located in an intricate neo-futuristic building. Today, it is one of the main city attractions representing the cultural, architectural and functional value.

The complex appeared on the place of an abandoned stadium. The construction began in 2009 and lasted five years. To create a new landmark, the authorities involved in the work an outstanding British Iraqi architect and designer Zaha Hadid. She faced the challenge of creating a new symbol of the South Korean capital that would have a unique appearance and fit into the environment. As a result, the «queen of the curve» in architecture made the work brilliantly.

The facade of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza stands out for an unusual shape with curved, asymmetrical lines and an amazing mixture of ultra-modern and natural elements. The outer walls are covered with silver aluminum panels and the roofs – with green lawns. But the four-story building does not differ in height compared to surrounding structures and rises no more than 29 meters. To some, it resembles a small gentle hill among skyscrapers, and to others, a spaceship landed on a city square.

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza hides an enormous area. There are shopping galleries with exclusive designer stores, extensive conference rooms for cultural and educational events, museums and exhibition spaces dedicated to contemporary art and design and many other rooms to enjoy the time.