Seoul Finalizes Detailed Development Plan for Hyundai Motor GBC... "Global Landmark Project to Accelerate"
by Lee Jungyun
Published 09 Apr.2026 10:00(KST)
Key Uses and Public Contribution Plans Finalized
Targeting Completion by 2031; Implementation Agreements and Procedures Underway
43-Story Retail and Residential Complex to Be Built Near Onsu Station in Guro-gu
With the finalization of a new development plan for the Hyundai Motor Group Global Business Complex (GBC) in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul-which now includes exhibition halls, performance venues, and a rooftop garden in addition to office, lodging, and retail facilities-the GBC project has entered full-scale development.
On April 9, Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it had approved with modifications the "Decision (Amendment) on the District Unit Plan for the International Exchange Complex and the Detailed Development Plan for the Hyundai Motor Site Special Planning Zone" at the 6th Urban and Architectural Joint Committee meeting.
The GBC project involves constructing Hyundai Motor Group's new headquarters and more on the former Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) site, covering 79,341 square meters across from COEX. According to negotiations between the city and Hyundai Motor Group, the GBC will comprise three buildings, each up to 242 meters tall, with 8 floors underground and 49 floors above ground. Hyundai Motor Group acquired the site in 2014, and development negotiations were completed in December 2025.
On the front along Yeongdong-daero, a complex cultural space-including exhibition halls and performance venues-will be created for public use. The lower levels, including the exhibition and performance halls, will feature a podium rooftop garden of about 15,000 square meters at a height of approximately 40 meters. The exhibition hall will collaborate with world-class science museums to present experiential, science-focused content and will be available for a variety of exhibitions and conferences. At the center of the GBC, a large urban forest of ginkgo trees covering 14,000 square meters will connect Yeongdong-daero with a ground plaza.
This decision finalizes the main uses and public contribution plans for the site. Key uses will include office space, tourist accommodations, retail, and international business support functions, alongside an experiential science center (exhibition hall), performance venue, rooftop garden on the lower levels, and observation spaces on the upper floors.
The district unit plan also incorporates a pedestrian axis connecting the International Exchange Complex from east to west, an urban forest at the center of the site, and underground passages linking to the Yeongdong-daero integrated transfer center-all designed to connect surrounding neighborhoods and revitalize the streetscape.
The total amount of public contribution is set at 1.9827 trillion won (based on the appraisal value in May 2016). These funds are currently being used for the core infrastructure of the International Exchange Complex, including the integrated development of the Yeongdong-daero underground space and the remodeling of Jamsil Main Stadium, as well as for road projects to ease traffic congestion and for the creation of waterfront spaces along the Han River and Tancheon Stream.
With the completion of this district unit plan review, the city plans to proceed with steps such as signing the public contribution implementation agreement, conducting various impact assessments, and reviewing architectural changes, with the aim of completing construction by the end of 2031.
Kim Changgyu, Director General for Balanced Development at Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "With the finalization of the district unit plan for the Hyundai Motor site, the development of a global landmark will officially begin. We will establish a 'global business and cultural hub' that integrates international business centers, cultural and leisure spaces, and green areas, thereby enhancing Seoul's urban competitiveness and setting a new model for future urban growth."
At this committee meeting, the modification and approval of the district unit plan and plan amendment for the area around Onsu Station, Oryu-dong, Guro-gu, as well as the detailed development plan amendment for the rugby stadium special planning zone, were also approved with modifications.
Perspective view of the district unit planning area around Onsu Station, Oryu-dong, Guro District. Seoul City
원본보기 아이콘The project site is located near Onsu Station, where subway lines 1 and 7 intersect. The development will consist of five underground floors and 43 above-ground floors, with a total floor area of approximately 420,000 square meters, and will include retail facilities, neighborhood living facilities, and 2,071 residential units.
By eliminating and easing the restrictions on non-residential ratios in commercial and quasi-residential zones, the proportion of non-residential space has been reduced, increasing the number of residential units from the original 1,790 to 2,071. In exchange for the reduction in non-residential space, the area designated for public parks for citizens has been expanded. The city plans to create a park at the center of the site and, around it, build public contribution facilities such as a Seoul-style public kids' cafe, a children's science experience center, an education center for slow learners, and a technical talent training school in the lower levels.
After completing the necessary administrative procedures, the city aims to begin construction in the second half of this year and complete the project by 2030.
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