Hyundai Card announced Monday the launch of Hyundai Card Factory at its Yeouido headquarters in Seoul, allowing customers to take a peek into the manufacturing process and history of credit cards.

“We have decided to place a special spotlight on the credit card, which is the most advanced form of currency,” said the company’s spokesperson.

The space, which has been inspired by factories of the Industrial Revolution age, combines cutting-edge financial technology with retro-style and analog environment.

To maximize the factory theme, chimney-shaped lightings and metal furniture have been arranged. A history wall consists of all the credit cards issued by Hyundai Card since 2002 and a library offers a collection of over 200 books on the Industrial Revolution, automobiles and design.

“Finance is usually embodied in numbers only, but by displaying credit cards amid these 19th century factory backdrops, we intend to convey the message that the current credit card system is part of a longer history,” the official explained.

But the Card Factory is not just about paying homage to an age gone by. It also provides the user with a comprehensive, modern system, such as the auto-picking system, robot arm stocker and overhead hoist transport.

The space is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and closes on weekends and national holidays. All Hyundai Card users are allowed free entrance, with up to three accompanying persons each.

For details, call (02) 2167-6330 or email factory@hyundaicard.com.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)