KINTEX now has a world-class exhibition infrastructure after completion of the second phase construction, offering exhibition space of more than 100,000 square meters.
The second exhibition hall of KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center) in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province opened September 28, 2011. KINTEX opened its first exhibition hall in 2005 and recently completed construction of the second hall at a cost of 359.1 billion won. Gyeonggi Province, Goyang City and KOTRA jointly invested in the construction of Korea’s biggest exhibition center with the aim of attracting and developing world-class exhibitions and conventions.
Due to opening the second exhibition hall, the total available space of KINTEX has been doubled. The area dedicated to exhibition in KINTEX has come to total 108,049 square meters, or 15 soccer fields combined, and the convention space has also increased to 11,676 square meters. The KINTEX is now three times larger than the COEX Exhibition Center in Seoul, and 27,000 square meters larger than Big Site, Japan’s largest exhibition facility.
The opening of KINTEX’s second exhibition hall is quite meaningful as it means Korea becomes the fourth nation in Asia to have a convention center offering exhibition space of more than 100,000 square meters. In particular, thanks to the expansion, the KINTEX is preparing to host a variety of domestic and international exhibitions and events, including a Global Top Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy.
“KINTEX now has a world-class exhibition infrastructure after completion of the second phase construction,” said Lee Han-cheol, president of KINTEX. “We will take the initiative in globalizing the Korean exhibition and convention industry by building a system to cooperate with the central government, local governments, related organizations and companies, and integrating and holding similar exhibitions at the same time in the future.
The 2011 Korea Industry Fair, which will be held to commemorate the opening of the second exhibition space, is the biggest exhibition ever in the nation featuring exhibitions from six industries. The six industrial exhibitions were: 2011 Korea Machinery Fair, 2011 Seoul International Tools Exhibition, 2011 International Metal Industry Technology Exhibition, 2011 Seoul International Electric Fair, 2011 Korea International Printing & Graphics Industry Show, and 2011 International Plastic and Rubber Trade Fair.
KINTEX is planning to hold large-scale exhibitions including the 2012 Seoul International Machine Tool Show, 2012 Seoul Motor Show, Seoul Food 2012 and 2012 Korea Electronics Show, using space measuring approximately 100,000 square meters. The economic effect gained from attracting such exhibitions is likely to grow, reaching 11.8 trillion won in 2015. In addition, general production, income and tax will stand at 5.1 trillion won, 2 trillion won and 38 million won, respectively. Attracting exhibitions will result in 100,000 new jobs. Therefore, KINTEX is expected to have a big positive impact on the Korean economy.
The new exhibition hall can be summed up by three keywords – energy, design and safety. Built to take advantage of new and renewable sources of energy, including ground heat, sunlight, and rain water, the new edifice will save up to US$10 billion per year in terms of energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,000 tons a year. The new exhibition hall is also able to resist an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter Scale.
The new hall also sports a sophisticated, state-of-the-art design. Seen from outside, it resembles an airplane taking off to soar into the sky. However, viewed from above, the new hall resembles a butterfly and harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment. New hotels will be built in the neighborhood, with Daemyung Resort planning to open a new hotel there in 2013.
Now it is easier and faster to go to KINTEX from Seoul thanks to the completion of the second Jayuro Road. KINTEX is making diversified efforts to expand its transportation network, such as launching new bus services connecting Seoul and KINTEX, as well as the early start of construction of a high-speed train service.