Hanwha builds three large-scale K-pop arenas in Korea

A computer-generated image of Seoul Arena [SEOUL ARENA]

Hanwha Corporation's Engineering and Construction (E&C) division is building three major K-pop and sports arenas in Seoul and the nearby Gyeonggi area.

The company said Friday it has begun the construction of a K-pop performance venue named Seoul Arena in Chang-dong in Dobong District, northern Seoul.

The venue will also feature a separate medium-sized concert venue that can seat 2,010 people, a movie theater, restaurants, shops and more. Its main hall will have a seating capacity of 18,269.

Upon completion, Kakao, the principal shareholder of Seoul Arena, will take charge of the operation and management of the facility for 30 years.

Positioned to become the largest cultural complex in Seoul's northeastern region, the arena is set to emerge as a premier destination for Hallyu enthusiasts globally.

In addition to Seoul Arena, the E&C division is building the soon-to-open Inspire Arena on Incheon's Yeongjong Island, Korea's first arena dedicated to music performances, slated to open this month.

CJ LiveCity Arena in Goyang, Gyeonggi, a venue featuring 20,000 indoor seats and room for over 40,000 people outdoors, is currently under construction also by Hanwha.

Hanwha's E&C division has been building large-scale venues overseas as well, such as the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, north of Manila, which the Guinness World Records recognized as the world's largest indoor arena in 2014.

"We stand as the sole construction company in Korea boasting a comprehensive track record in both domestic and international arena projects," a company spokesperson said.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]