IFEZ Journal

Preview of Major Projects 

in 2024

IFEZ develops rapidly every year, always taking steps toward becoming a world-class city.

Check out the major projects that will transform IFEZ in 2024.

01. SMART CITY

Completion of Smart City Phase 1

The first phase of the smart city promotion strategy, built around the vision of “IFEZ as a Global Future City and Smart Innovation Hub,” is scheduled for completion this year. The short-term plan for Phase 1 started last year and was aimed at establishing a smart city-based service hub and to provide services, including object-/face-recognition video control, AI-based real-time road-risk control, civil-document delivery robots, smart intersections, multi-purpose self-driving robots, open traffic-signal information, and advancement of the internet of things (IoT) platform.

02. WATER FRONT

Completion of Waterfront Phase 1-2

Phase 1-2 of the waterfront-development project will be completed this year, connecting 21.2 km of waterways and reservoirs in a square shape running from Songdo International City to the sea. At this stage, a 9.53-km section of the waterway will be connected from the lake in Zone 6 to the north and north connecting waterways. In this section, major facilities include one water gate, two pedestrian bridges, two road bridges, and a waterside road to be built. For Phase 1-2, the detailed design was completed in October 2022, and construction began last year. All waterways will be connected by 2027, once Phases 1-3 and 2 are completed.

03. BIO PROCESS

Construction of a Bioprocess Human Resources Training Center

A bioprocess human resources training center will be completed at Yonsei University International Campus in Songdo International City at the end of 2024. This center (6,600 m2; with one underground floor and four above-ground floors) will house bioprocessing practice facilities that meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure the consistent quality of medical products. The center will be equipped with 128 types of specialized equipment (totaling 334 pieces). The bioprocess human resources training center plans to produce 2,000 bio-industry experts every year by introducing NIBRT, the Irish bio-human resources training program.

04. CONNECTED CAR

Establishment of a connected car materials and parts certification-evaluation center

Connected cars use two-way wireless communication by applying information and communication technology (ICT) to cars. Communication with things as well as other vehicles helps drivers obtain a variety of convenient bits of information. A certification-evaluation center responsible for performance evaluation, testing, and certification of connected car-related materials and components will be built at Robot Land in Cheongna International City in 2024. This center, with one underground floor and three above-ground floors across a total floor area of 4,100 m2, is expected to lead the future mobility industry.

05. BIO MEGAPLANT

Beginning the construction of Lotte Biologics’ mega plant

Lotte Biologics’ mega plant will be built in Zone 11 of Songdo International City. Last year, a land-sale contract was signed to construct a mega plant, followed by an order for production facilities. Construction of the first factory will begin by the first quarter of 2024. Factory 1 is scheduled to be completed in 2025, followed by Factory 2 in 2027 and Factory 3 in 2030. The goal is to have all factories fully operational by 2034. The mega plant’s expected biopharmaceutical production volume is 360,000 liters.

06. MOBILITY

Completion of BMW R&D Center

The BMW R&D Center, which will be built at Incheon Hi-tech Park (IHP) Urban High-tech Industrial Complex in Cheongna International City, began construction in the first half of last year and is scheduled to be completed this year. The BMW R&D Center and the German headquarters conduct research in future mobility fields through technological exchanges between Germany and Korea, including autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification technologies. In particular, it will be equipped with facilities to perform product development, testing, and inspection, contributing to job creation by expanding the workforce.