DDP hosts Seoul Design Week from 14 to 25 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 02:05 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
DDP hosts Seoul Design Week from 14 to 25 October 2026, bringing exhibitions, markets and conferences to the design complex in Seoul. The programme, themed The Design Recipe, also links the venue with 150 design spots across five Seoul districts.
Seoul Design Week brings 12 days of programmes to DDP
Seoul Design Week is organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Design Foundation. At DDP, the programme includes the DDP Design Fair, design exhibitions, a conference and outdoor markets, while related activities extend through Dongdaemun, Seongsu, Yeonhui, Seochon and Apgujeong.
The official city programme lists the DDP Design Fair in the Art Hall from 14 to 18 October 2026. It brings together 79 lifestyle brands and presents displays around four approaches to everyday life and personal taste. A Young Designer exhibition will show work by 20 university design teams, with more than 100 students presenting results from collaborations with companies. The official Seoul programme also lists conferences on 15 and 18 October.
DDP architecture gives the design festival its setting
Opened on 21 March 2014, DDP was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and stands on the former Dongdaemun Stadium site. The complex is a multi-purpose cultural platform for exhibitions, fashion shows, performances, forums and conferences, giving the October programme a venue designed for changing cultural uses.
The building's curved structure and silver exterior are part of the visitor experience during the festival, but Seoul Design Week also uses its interior spaces. The Art Hall hosts the fair, the Design Hall hosts the conference, and outdoor areas accommodate the design market. This arrangement makes the programme more than a single exhibition: the building's distinct halls and public spaces become separate points within one design route. The Seoul government profile records the opening, architect and cultural role of the complex.
From DDP to 150 design stops across Seoul
The 2026 edition expands beyond the building through Seoul Design Road. The route connects design studios, brands, exhibitions and cultural spaces in five districts from 14 to 25 October 2026. For visitors, the change is practical: a visit can combine the fixed programme at DDP with citywide locations rather than remaining inside one venue.
The DDP programme also separates its formats by date. The fair and Young Designer exhibition run from 14 to 18 October 2026. Design exhibitions continue through 25 October, while the outdoor design market is scheduled for 16 to 18 October and 23 to 25 October 2026.
Visiting DDP: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Seoul Design Week runs at DDP from 14 to 25 October 2026. The DDP Design Fair and Young Designer exhibition are in the Art Hall from 14 to 18 October 2026.
- The programme includes paid and free elements. The official listing identifies the fair as paid, while exhibitions, markets and events are listed as free; the conference has both paid and free elements.
- DDP is at 281 Eulji-ro in Jung-gu, Seoul. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station serves the complex on subway Lines 2, 4 and 5, with access from Exit 1.
- The building opened on 21 March 2014 and was designed by Zaha Hadid. Its flowing curves, multiple halls and public outdoor areas shape the way the festival is arranged.
- South Korea's official language is Korean and its national currency is the South Korean won.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for DDP on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about DDP
When does Seoul Design Week take place at DDP?
Seoul Design Week runs at DDP from 14 to 25 October 2026. The DDP Design Fair takes place from 14 to 18 October 2026.
What is DDP?
DDP is a multi-purpose cultural complex in Seoul that opened on 21 March 2014. It was designed by Zaha Hadid and hosts exhibitions, performances, forums and conferences.
Where is DDP and how do you get there?
DDP is at 281 Eulji-ro in Jung-gu, Seoul. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station is served by subway Lines 2, 4 and 5.
