It was a flashy and stylish open for Seoul Fashion Week in March. Fashionists gathered in the Korean capital's new design temple Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP.
'Seoul is known for its long rich history and has its tech oriented industries but it lacks places for creative industries, so there is a new product there isn't a place for people to come together and exchange ideas. I think DDP would be a catch for help and will play that role. '
A former baseball stadium was transformed into a design, education and exhibition hub, the aim is to get 24-hour access to Korean arts and culture as well as nurture young creative talents.
'For an individual designer to showcase their collection, it takes a lot of effort and money, but because of the support from the city of Seoul and DDP, it has opened new opportunities for designers like me.'
The building is a spectacle in itself, architect Zaha Hadid signature curvaceous structure is unique for Seoul, more akin to a spacecraft than a modern skyscraper. The 85,000 square meter site with 30,000 square meter park was completed at a cost of over 450 million dollars. The DDP was commissioned by former Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon before the global economic crisis back in 2008. There is pressure on current mayor Park Won-soon to ensure his money well spent, especially in an election year. Once the press tour and fanfare ebbs away, can the DDP really deliver on what it promises?
'Seoul has been the capital of Joseon Dynasty for 600 years, so there are so many traditional treasures that is our duty and responsibility how to preserve or revitalize the traditional elements and legacies.'
According to property specialist M, 3 weeks after DDP opened its doors, 1 million people have visited, increased footfall is pushing up shop sales, and there is hope that this can be sustainable, driving property values higher over time as well.
John Defterios cnn.
