INCHEON, SK-For project chief John B. Hynes III, the attention focused on the golf course coming to this emerging metropolis is justifiable. There are two passions in Korea, “education and golf,” says Hynes, but the CEO of Gale International and developer of the $25-billion master-planned city tells GlobeSt.com that the Jack Nicklaus-branded course goes far beyond responding to the sport’s surging popularity.

“It’s important for a lot of reasons,” says Hynes, the transplanted Boston developer whose super-ambitious charge is to carve a 1,500-acre urban enclave out of land reclaimed from the Incheon waterfront. For all the roads and other infrastructure invested by the Korean government, realizing New Songdo’s vision as an Asian economic hotspot will rely heavily on attracting workers from throughout the continent and beyond, states Hynes, who sees recreational options as critical to achieving that goal.

“The private quality-of-life investments need to be made,” he says, “and that’s where the golf course comes in.” The $2.5 billion of development under way since the city’s 2004 groundbreaking includes a 200,000-sf aquarium, and Hynes estimates the 250-acre course will contribute to 30% open space for the community overall. The ability to deliver such features gives New Songdo City a playing chance of steering companies and employees from mature Asian cities where recreational amenities cannot be accommodated easily, he says. Analysis of similarly manufactured “digital cities” have often cited a lack of relaxation opportunities for stunting their progress.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.