Knowledge Industry Center Transforming into a Cultural Complex... Asan Tangjeong's First Sale 'Unicorn101' Draws Attention

- Asan Tangjeong District's First Knowledge Industry Center... Section Office Design, Duplex Terrace Dormitory, Hot Spring Spa and Other Specialized Designs Introduced
- 'Samsung Effect' Expected to Increase Jobs and Resident Population... Anticipated to Attract Attention from Income-Generating Real Estate Investors

Since the term changed from "apartment-type factory" to "knowledge industry center" in 2010, knowledge industry centers have evolved into business culture complex districts with better work environments than typical office buildings, incorporating various specialized designs and convenience facilities, impressive exteriors, green spaces, and parks.

In fact, these designs have become important criteria for small and medium-sized venture companies and smart factories seeking to move into knowledge industry centers to improve their working environments. A real estate industry expert said, “With the introduction of section office-style designs, dormitories with terraces, and neighborhood living facilities that allow for malling, knowledge industry centers are being renewed day by day,” adding, “Newly built knowledge industry centers in areas with abundant jobs will absorb a large demand for office and officetel rentals nearby.”

Among the knowledge industry centers that announced sales in the first half of the year, Asan Tangjeong’s “Unicorn101,” which opened its model house on January 15, draws attention. This is because it introduced specialized designs such as section office-style layouts, rare duplex terrace-type dormitories, natural hot spring saunas, and outdoor spas.

“Unicorn101,” developed by Hana Asset Trust Co., Ltd. and constructed by Dongseo Construction Co., Ltd., a construction company affiliated with the Daesang Group, is located on a site of approximately 13,510m2 in Asan City, Chungnam, as an urban support facility. It consists of a total floor area of about 74,215m2 from two basement floors to ten above-ground floors, housing 330 knowledge industry center units, 291 dormitory units, and neighborhood living facilities.

The knowledge industry center units, ranging from 31.1m2 to 117.3m2 in exclusive area, are designed in a section office style that allows spaces to be subdivided according to use, considering the needs of both users and investors. Various facilities for tenant companies, such as reception rooms, shared meeting rooms and storage, and refresh rooms, are also provided.

The dormitories, composed of 12 types ranging from 26.6m2 to 40.4m2 in exclusive area, are designed as duplexes with ceiling heights up to 4.3m, and some units feature terraces with open views to enhance comfort. They are expected to attract attention as “dormitories that don’t feel like dormitories.”

The neighborhood living facilities include distinctive cafes and restaurants, fitness centers and golf practice ranges, and large rooftop gardens, providing spaces to make good use of leisure time. In particular, the sauna facilities and outdoor spas using natural hot spring water are expected to become the most popular healing spots for tenants pursuing work-life balance (WLB).

The parking lot accommodates 532 vehicles, about twice the legally required number, with approximately 40% of the spaces designed as wide parking spots, adding convenience to work and life.

Located about 200 meters directly in front of the main gate of Samsung Display City, the location is highly praised by users and investors seeking proximity between work and residence. Surrounded on three sides by green spaces, with a river flowing right in front and a sports park across the street, it offers excellent views and a pleasant environment.

Since proximity to main client companies is more important than transportation convenience for knowledge industry centers, it is expected to become the optimal location for display-related knowledge-based small and medium enterprises as many nearby related industry companies, including major Samsung Display partners, move in.

After Samsung announced in October last year that it would invest 13.1 trillion KRW in Samsung Display City by 2025, the creation of about 80,000 new jobs in the area is also anticipated. Following the government’s announcement in February of a plan to provide extensive support to small and medium enterprises and startups to strengthen future new industry competitiveness such as materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang), local real estate industry insiders agree that interest in income-generating real estate that meets the demand for proximity to work centered on Samsung Display is increasing.

The location offers easy access to KTX and SRT Cheonan-Asan Station, which is planned to be developed as a complex transfer center, and the Tangjeong Station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1, scheduled to open in 2022. It is connected to Seoul and all regions nationwide within a one-day living zone via the Seohaean Expressway and Gyeongbu Expressway. The “Samsung City Premium” proven in Suwon, Dongtan, and Pyeongtaek is now extending to Asan Tangjeong.

Meanwhile, the Unicorn101 model house is located in the Asan City area of Chungnam. Strict quarantine measures are applied due to COVID-19, and the model house opened on January 15 and is currently enjoying strong sales.