Over 370 billion won will be poured into building the infrastructure of "HallyuWood" on a land lot measuring about 990,000 sq. meters in Janghang-dong and Daehwa-dong, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province by the year 2010.

Traffic infrastructure, including a monorail, and various facilities for research, production and distribution of "hallyu" products will also be built as part of the construction of "HallyuWood."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Sohn Hak-kyu released the plan at the "Presentation of Policies to Build 'HallyuWood'" held at the Press Center in Seoul on Jan. 11.

He said, "The province plans to invest a total of 371 billion won to build the traffic infrastructure, R&D, and production and distribution facilities for 'hallyu' products and content in order to open 'HallyuWood' at an early date and enhance its competitiveness.

"Particularly, the province will focus its investment on building the traffic infrastructure, since traffic access and the securing of enough parking spaces are important determinants for the success or failure of this project."

The 371 billion won amount Gyeonggi Province has allocated for investments in building such an infrastructure is separate from its budget of 508.9 billion won that it has already begun spending to lay the groundwork for the "HallyuWood" Complex.

Accordingly, starting from next month, the province will spend a total of 100 billion won to begin the construction of a monorail (a short-distance electric car loop system) linking the complex with nearby subway stations. It will also spend 46 billion won to build an underground parking lot that can accommodate 2,000 vehicles beneath the complex.

The monorail will stretch 1.5 kilometers long, starting at Jeongbalsan Station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line No. 3, passing through the "HallyuWood" Complex and linking with Daehwa Station on the same subway line. This new transportation system is expected to carry about 30,000 passengers every hour.

Notably, a lakeside park will also be built on a lot measuring 138,600 sq. meters inside the complex, and a central waterway will be constructed, with the water flowing in from the Han River. This area will be used as a scenic landscape for visitors. The province is also planning to build a hotel in this area as its second-phase project.

The province will build the "Hallyu IBC (International Business Center)," "Hallyu Content Support Center," and "Hallyu Museum" with a total budget of 205 billion won, with the purpose of giving priority to constructing R&D, production and distribution facilities for 'hallyu' culture.

The "Hallyu IBC" will perform the functions of research, education, management and exchange of 'hallyu' culture; the "Hallyu Content Support Center" will take charge of the production and distribution of 'hallyu' content; and the "Hallyu Museum" will serve as a center for shedding light on 'hallyu' culture.

"The province has decided to take charge of building the traffic infrastructure on its own, because it is the most important factor for the success of this project for civilian businesses who are participating in building a grand-scale theme park such as 'HallyuWood.' We have already finished administrative preparations for the project, purchased the land, and broken the ground. So, we are going to push for moving forward with the 'HallyuWood' project in earnest by selecting civilian builders in March," said Governor Sohn.