By 
The government unveiled plans for a massive new convention center in Seoul’s Jung district on Thursday. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and KORAIL announced plans for the 35-story convention center in Bongrae 2-ga on 55,826 sq. m. of land north of Seoul Station. Construction will be completed by 2014. The center will have 61 conference halls including one main hall that can accommodate up to 7,500 people at a time, five exhibition halls on over 26,000 sq. m. of land, fully-serviced residence for long-term tenants and shopping malls. [Chosun Ilbo]
8:42 am on December 6th, 2008 1
The next bubble: The whole world expects to host conventions for each other.
10:33 pm on December 6th, 2008 2
I have no doubt they'll build it. But all of the convention centers in Korea suffer from the same problem — namely, that visitors from afar need beds to sleep in. Where are the hotels? Let's say this convention center is going to host small conferences of 1500 or so. Are there 1500 additional beds in the neighborhood, four-and five-star hotels? Is there anything to see outside the conference center.
I live in easy walking distance of this location. The neighborhood is sorely lacking in the sorts of amenities necessary. Plus, doesn't a train rumble through about every 10 minutes?
10:33 pm on December 6th, 2008 3
And for 7500 people? You've got to be kidding. Unless they all already live in Seoul.