# Cleaning up South Korea Seoul's $31 Billion Yongsan Project By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-01-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seoul-yongsan References: [english.seoul.go.kr](http://english.seoul.go.kr/today/infocus/specialreport/1252626_5093.php) & [korea.net](http://www.korea.net/news/News/newsView.asp?serial_no=20071103007) Seoul, South Korea, is a city that is continually transforming itself, from huts a hundred years ago to high rises now. A new project is scheduled for the Yongsan business district that will cost $31 billion and transform the gritty to the glittery. The 152 story centerpiece is a pear-shaped landmark. The city hopes this will help transform the country into a more Northeast Asian business center similar to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. It's the largest urban project in South Korea's history and will kick off in 2011, with funding from [Samsung](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ust-projector) and The National Pension Fund. They hope the project will reach completion by 2016. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Urban Transformation:** The Yongsan project is a prime example of how cities are undergoing major transformations to attract more business and investment opportunities. - **Landmark Architecture:** The 152-story pear-shaped landmark in Yongsan highlights the trend of creating iconic and visually striking structures to attract attention and tourism. - **Northeast Asian Business Centers:** South Korea's desire to transform into a business hub, similar to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore, indicates a trend of countries vying for economic dominance in the region. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** The Yongsan project presents significant opportunities for construction companies to participate in large-scale urban development projects. - **Tourism:** With the construction of iconic landmarks, the tourism industry in Seoul is expected to flourish, attracting visitors who wish to witness impressive architectural marvels. - **Real Estate:** The urban transformation of Yongsan will likely drive up demand for commercial and residential real estate in the area, creating investment opportunities for real estate developers and investors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Premium Apartment Rental Startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dongnae.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Stunning Spokeless Ferris Wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seoul-ring.md) - [Musical Island Regeneration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundscape-1.md) - [Renewed Urban Rooftops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heineken-seoul-rooftops.md) - [Cross-Border Startup Pitching Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/startup-pitching-competition.md) - [Typhoon-Resilient Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seoul-wing.md) - [Urban Runner Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runners-bases.md) - [Seoul-Themed Immersive Digital Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delight-installation.md)