LG Group chairman Koo Bon-moo on Thursday paid a visit to the construction site of the group’s new research and development complex LG Science Park in Magok, western Seoul.

LG last year announced a plan to build a 4 trillion won ($3.4 billion) science park on a 170,000-square-meter site in the emerging tech district located a five-minute drive from Gimpo International Airport.
 

The total building floor area is estimated to be 1.11 square kilometers and will house 18 research buildings. The complex is to become the nation’s largest R&D complex when it is completed by 2020.

“LG’s future will depend on the Magok Science Park. Please do your best until its completion,” Koo was quoted as saying by group officials. “Take greater care especially on safety and quality.”

LG plans to seek R&D synergies by attracting some 25,000 researchers not just from flagship business units such as electronics, chemicals and telecommunications, but also from new growth engine businesses such as energy and car parts.

Koo, the chairman, has also pledged to create the best environment for the group’s R&D talents.

“We will lead in creating the best facility and pleasant environment for researchers at the new complex,” he told a group of engineering graduates who visited the site recently.

According to group officials, the LG Science Park is expected to become one of the world’s largest energy-efficient R&D complexes.

All the research buildings will be equipped with highly efficient solar power panels, with energy stored to provide the buildings’ heating and cooling. LED smart lighting will monitor brightness and energy consumption.

Geothermal power generation will be used for system air conditioning and other energy-efficient construction materials will help further reduce energy consumption overall.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)