Seoul-based Hyundai Motor Group, the fifth-largest automotive conglomerate in the world, has unveiled plans for a 105-storey tower, the centrepiece of a six-building scheme. To be built on land formerly owned by Korea Electric Power Corp., the entire Hyundai Global Business Center complex will contain 920,000 square metres of occupiable space. 

Hyundai Global Business Center, image via Hyundai Motor Group

A 553-metre tower housing offices, a hotel, retail, a convention centre, and a two-storey rooftop observation deck will be the landmark component of the site. It will be neighboured by five smaller buildings, consisting of a 40-storey hotel and office tower, an eight-storey building for sales facilities, a seven-storey building reserved for performances, and a pair of three-floor exhibition and convention structures. 

Hyundai Global Business Center, image via Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai expects the mega development to generate over one million jobs while opening up a new area of Seoul to potential future development. As part of the negotiation process and necessary conversion of the land from residential to commercial, Hyundai has agreed to pay 1.74 trillion won ($1.42 billion USD) in public contributions to the local government. The move is standard in Seoul, where developers are required to dedicate a certain amount of funds for public good, so that both the builder and the wider community benefit from development. 

Hyundai Global Business Center, image via Hyundai Motor Group

South Korean architect Kim Jong-sung was recently appointed to carry out the project. With past works including Seoul's Museum of History, Kim was chosen after an international design competition that saw bids from renowned firms like Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The project should begin construction next year, with a timeline for completion targeting 2021. 

Hyundai Global Business Center, image via Hyundai Motor Group

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Leave a comment at the bottom of this page or check out the associated Forum thread where you'll also find exclusive updates from Forum contributor inno4321.