"It's important for a lot of reasons," says Hynes, thetransplanted Boston developer whose super-ambitious charge is tocarve a 1,500-acre urban enclave out of land reclaimed from theIncheon waterfront. For all the roads and other infrastructureinvested by the Korean government, realizing New Songdo's vision asan Asian economic hotspot will rely heavily on attracting workersfrom throughout the continent and beyond, states Hynes, who seesrecreational options as critical to achieving that goal.

"The private quality-of-life investments need to be made," hesays, "and that's where the golf course comes in." The $2.5 billionof development under way since the city's 2004 groundbreakingincludes a 200,000-sf aquarium, and Hynes estimates the 250-acrecourse will contribute to 30% open space for the community overall.The ability to deliver such features gives New Songdo City aplaying chance of steering companies and employees from matureAsian cities where recreational amenities cannot be accommodatedeasily, he says. Analysis of similarly manufactured "digitalcities" have often cited a lack of relaxation opportunities forstunting their progress.

The Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea offers other benefits tomaking New Songdo the "Gateway to Northwest Asia," as proclaimed inits slogan. "A lot of business is done on the golf course," Hynesnotes, and that should further encourage companies to relocateoperations or establish offices in New Songdo. That considerationis enhanced by the city's location in a special district featuringtax breaks and other corporate favorites such as expeditedpermitting and access to the abutting Incheon InternationalAirport.