"'Jamsil MICE Complex Space' Contract Battle by KITA... 'Transforming into a Tourist Attraction'"

A bird's-eye view of the Jamsil MICE complex space by the Korea International Trade Association. (Photo by Korea International Trade Association)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) revealed its ambition on the 6th to transform the 'Jamsil Sports·MICE Complex' into a global exchange hub. The plan is to create a pedestrian walkway similar to the High Line in New York, turning it into a tourist attraction in Seoul.

In the second-phase project proposal submitted to Seoul City on the 29th of last month, KITA announced plans to develop a pedestrian landmark connecting the entire international exchange complex district stretching from Trade Center to Hyundai Motor GBC to Jamsil. Accordingly, starting from COEX, passing through Hyundai Motor GBC, crossing the Tancheon pedestrian bridge, and extending to the Jamsil waterfront leisure facilities, approximately 2 km of walkway will feature content symbolizing Seoul.

The exhibition and convention center to be built in the Jamsil MICE complex will also incorporate waterfront views similar to New York's Javits Center and Australia's ICC Sydney. Considering the high satisfaction of domestic and international exhibition organizers and visitors due to the view of Bongeunsa Temple from COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, KITA expressed its ambition to attract top-tier international conferences to Korea once again.

KITA has prepared measures to minimize potential inconveniences to citizens caused by the creation of the Jamsil MICE complex, such as ensuring sunlight rights for nearby residential complexes and schools and reflecting the height and arrangement of each facility in the design to prevent privacy invasion. Additionally, to avoid traffic congestion caused by freight trucks before and after large exhibitions, advanced logistics and cargo handling systems will be introduced to prevent harm to nearby residents.

A KITA official explained, "We have made efforts to create an attractive space that citizens and tourists can visit anytime, even when there are no large events."

The Jamsil MICE complex private investment project is being promoted by Seoul City and involves transforming the Jamsil Sports Complex, which was used as the main stadium for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, into an exhibition and convention center. Hanwha Group is competing against KITA to win this project.