Dongdaemun, also known as Heunginjimun, is one of the Eight Gates of the Fortress Wall of Seoul, located in the Jongno district. Its name means "Great Eastern Gate," and it served as the main eastern gate during the Joseon Dynasty. The original structure was built in 1398 under King Taejo, renovated in 1453, and rebuilt in its current form in 1869. A key feature is its outer semi-circular wall, Ongseong, designed to enhance defense.
The surrounding area is a major commercial and cultural hub. Dongdaemun Market, established in 1905, includes over 30,000 stores and 50,000 manufacturers, offering a wide range of goods including textiles, clothes, and electronics. Traditionally known for night shopping, many shops now operate nearly 24/7.
Nearby is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a futuristic cultural complex designed by Zaha Hadid and opened in 2014. It was built on the former site of the Dongdaemun Stadium and played a major role in Seoul being named World Design Capital in 2010. The DDP includes exhibition spaces, shops, a rooftop park, and parts of the restored Seoul Fortress Wall.
The Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, also located on the former stadium site, displays archaeological relics from the Joseon period found during excavation. The park features museums and cultural spaces preserving the site’s historical significance.
Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Camera: Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i / Kiss X9i
Lens: TAMRON SP 28-75mm F/2.8 Di A09E
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 28.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/250
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 100
Photo Taken: May 08, 2025
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