DDP Rooftop Tour in Seoul: How to Walk on Top of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

If you’ve ever looked at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and wondered what it would be like to actually walk across those futuristic silver curves, you can actually DO IT.

The DDP Rooftop Tour is one of the most unique experiences in Seoul right now, giving visitors rare access to the rooftop of one of Korea’s most iconic buildings. Instead of just admiring the DDP from below, you get to step onto the actual structure designed by legendary architect Zaha Hadid and see Seoul from an entirely different perspective.

The experience was originally launched as a special limited pilot event for DDP’s 10th anniversary back in 2024 and immediately exploded in popularity, with thousands of people trying to reserve spots. Seoul later expanded the route into a full 652-meter rooftop course that lets visitors explore the building from an angle that was never previously open to the public.

So when a friend invited me to join her, I jumped at the opportunity, even though I didn’t know quite what to expect. As it turns out, the tour is a bit more immersive than I had anticipated, almost like urban exploration mixed with architecture, fashion, and storytelling.

First we geared up with special safety gear and outfits created in collaboration with Korean fashion brand KANGHYUK. The teal and pink looks were designed specifically for the tour and are part of the experience itself. If we’re being honest, it definitely helped put me into exploration mode. I felt like an astronaut ready to go where most people had never gone before.

After that we were hooked onto special safety lines and began our journey across the aluminum panels. As we slowly made our way across the roof the guides explained the history of the area, the design philosophy behind DDP, and how Dongdaemun transformed from a historic fortress district into one of Seoul’s busiest fashion neighborhoods.

Of course, one of the coolest parts of the tour is the view itself. From the rooftop you can spot Namsan Tower, Heunginjimun Gate, Dongdaemun Fashion Town, Euljiro, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park and the surrounding Seoul skyline stretching in every direction. There were special spots where you could safely take videos and pictures from, as well as a spot where they take a special souvenir photo for you to take home.

Was it scary? Not really. You’re walking on a rooftop nearly 29 meters above ground level, attached to rails, safety lines and wearing helmets. The route includes slightly sloped surfaces and curved sections that make you very aware you’re standing on top of one of Seoul’s most famous buildings. That being said, the tour has extensive safety systems in place and guides stay with the group the entire time.

While most of Seoul’s skyline hotspots are about standing still and enjoying the view, this tour really takes it a step further. I’ve spent my entire adult life in Korea and have seen some amazing views, but this is definitely something else entirely. A 360 view from the top of one of Seoul’s most iconic building isn’t something I’ll soon forget. And if you manage to fit this into your itinerary, it’s sure to be a memory to last a lifetime.

• 🗓 March ~ May & September ~ November
• 📍 DDP – Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Naver Map, Google Maps)
• 🎟️ 26,000 KRW
  • * Korean and English tours available.
  • * Reservation required (DDP Rooftop Tour)