Foster + Partners, together with PHA and mobility in chain, has won an international competition to design the masterplan for the expansion of the incheon free economic zone, an extensive mixed-use scheme encompassing the islands of Kanghwa and Onjin-Gun, to the north east of Seoul. Conceived as a self-sufficient, sustainable development, the 300 square-kilometre masterplan will extend organically from a central transportation spine, creating a centre for green industry and serving a population that is expected to grow from 35,000 to 320,000 residents and commuters.
The scheme integrates a range of low to high-density mixed-use areas, connected by a light rapid transit system and construction will be phased over 10 to 15 years. The area spans three main sites within the free trade zone – the north of Kanghwa will be a centre of inter-Korean economic cooperation, taking advantage of its strategic location close to incheon airport and north Korea, while the south of the island will be mixed-use, combining green technology industry with community, cultural and residential buildings.