The main structure at Dongdaemun Plaza is
this flowing metal building designed by Zaha Hadid.
Visually, the building was more striking to me when viewed from
a few blocks away -- a perspective that contrasted its shape
with the surrounding buildings. From there, the building
is striking and beautiful. Up close, the form of the building is
featureless. Though it looks Gehry-like, the Gehry
buildings I've seen up close have elements with tighter curves
and are more interesting to look at up close.
We never made it here at night to see the building's lights.
This whole plaza is an urban renewal project, displacing soccer
fields and the baseball stadium, along with areas used by street
vendors. It is intended to be the center of Seoul (and
Korean) design.
A section of the old fortress wall occupies part of the Plaza,
and the contrast to this building and associated modern walkways
is nice.
