NEW hotels are sprouting up in the vicinity of the newly opened Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) while old ones have embarked on renovation in anticipation of a surge in MICE visitors, mostly from China.
Located in the Dongdaemun shopping district, Dongdaemun Design Plaza commenced operations in March as part of the Seoul metropolitan government’s MICE Master Plan initiated in 2013 (TTGmice e-Weekly, November 8, 2013).
Exuding futuristic, eco-friendly vibes, DDP is located at Seoul’s fashion core of Dongdaemun. The 8,500m2 DDP encompasses recreational functions and flexible MICE spaces including a museum, a learning centre, and a conference and exhibition centre.
DDP’s establishment has attracted fashion and design-related conferences and exhibitions to Dongdaemun, and also bolstered the hospitality sector.
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul commenced operations last December; The Shilla Seoul completed its renovation last August; and Grand Ambassador Seoul Associated Pullman Hotel’s renovation is due to complete in three years’ time.
The main drive for hotels in DDP’s vicinity to increase their capacities is understood to have stemmed from the China market, for whom Dongdaemun is a must-visit area in Seoul.
Last year, 4.3 million visitors from China travelled to Seoul. Seoul’s tourism authority estimates Chinese arrivals will exceed five million in 2014 and 10 million in subsequent years.
Targeted at the China market, DDP’s film and drama serial exhibitions such as Transformers and My Love from the Star reflects the China market’s impact on Seoul’s tourist attractions.
The influence of the China market is akin to the Japanese market’s previous impact on Seoul, observe industry players, and the rapid growth of the China market has propelled Seoul’s economic development and fuelled alterations to the city’s landscape.
Article by Nadia Chung. Translated by Ong Yanchun, from the original TTG China e-Daily, August 15, 2014.
