[Report] 'Seoul Light DDP' Opens in Summer... "Seoul's Four Seasons Connected by Light"

[Financial News] On the last day of July, the hottest since weather observations began, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul was bustling with citizens. Beyond simply escaping the heat to explore Seoul's landmarks, families, couples, and friends gathered early to secure spots along the 'Design Trail'.
On this day, DDP hosted the summer festival 'Design Holiday', marking its second occurrence this year. 'Seoul Light', which has won the world's top three design awards, held its first 'summer' event this year, in addition to the usual spring and autumn events.
According to Seoul City on the 3rd, the opening ceremony marking the start of the festival took place on the 31st of last month, along with the start of media art exhibitions at key locations in DDP. Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who appeared in traditional Korean attire, announced the opening with media art lighting at Igansumun located behind DDP.
Mayor Oh stated, "It is even more refreshing to have an event that blends traditional beauty and advanced technology at DDP, where the past and present coexist," adding, "We will expand opportunities to experience cultural and artistic content so that citizens of Seoul, a software powerhouse and cultural capital, can feel proud." He particularly emphasized, "Events were mainly held only in winter and mostly at the front street, but this is the first time it's being held in the backyard," and "It is a satisfying space where advanced technology and Seoul Fortress are all integrated."
Although DDP already boasts an average daily visitor count of 60,000, about 10,000 citizens gathered for the event, which lasted about two hours on this day. Before the lights illuminated the darkness, citizens lined up to view the media art installed throughout DDP and participate in design experience events such as completing 'My Own Ornament'. Kim (44), who came out for an outing with his family, said, "It's very hot, but there are many things to enjoy indoors and outdoors," and "It's nice to move around and avoid the heat rather than sitting still."
'Seoul Light DDP Summer' will be held every evening from 8 to 10 PM until the 10th, and anyone can view it for free. The exhibition space has expanded beyond the media facade centered on DDP's 222m irregular exterior wall to include the park area and Seoul Fortress. The city explained, "We will provide an artistic experience that weaves time, emotion, and memory with light, creating a fantastic night view in the city center." Yoo (27), who watched the media art at the opening ceremony with his partner, said, "I saw media art at DDP at night for the first time," and "It was much more beautiful than I expected and worth coming to see."
The city plans to continue 'Seoul Light DDP Autumn' from September, linked with 'Design Miami', which will be held in Asia for the first time. The plan is to establish media art connecting Seoul's four seasons with light as seasonal nighttime content.
Cha Kang-hee, CEO of Seoul Design Foundation, said, "Design Holiday is an event where you can experience the joy and imagination that design brings in everyday life," and "It will be a special summer retreat where citizens become direct players to newly experience art, design, and life in the city center."

chlee1@fnnews.com Lee Chang-hoon Reporter