By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
I was very pleased with a recent Korean language article in San Diego Korean American Community Magazine. The 2 page spread highlights Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway, which was released in August. The book has been very well received by the Korean community, both in Korea and abroad. A high quality complimentary web version of the pictorial history book is available online. Click Here.
By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
On Saturday August 22 PST (Sunday August 23 in Korea) from Cisco’s Irvine, CA offices, I shared an amazing experience with a team of new Korea-based International School Songdo ISS) educators. My work centers on training and coaching executives and teams on Korean culture, norms, history, and expectations. I was thrilled to use Cisco’s TP 3000 telepresence technology to provide the new ISS team with insights into Korea and Songdo IBD.The training session aligned with both Songdo IBD core value as an ubiquitous city, and ISS as a model for Classroom 2.0 education. (For more information of ISS teaching model see Headmaster Dr. Jorge Nelson’s December 2008 comments of Learning- centric teaching).
Incheon, South Korea August 11, 2009 The global launch of the pictorial history Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway took place on Thursday August 6 at Incheon Korea’s historic Chemulpo Club. Hosted by author Don Southerton and sponsored by Gale International, the event was attended by notables including Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo, Gale International chairman Stan Gale, and former Ambassador Donald Gregg. Also attending were local officials, Korean and American guests, and the media.
Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway documents 125 years of life in the port area through first hand accounts and historic photographs. Fittingly, the book’s launch was held at the foreign settlement’s former gentleman’s club, which was built in1901.
After warm opening remarks by Stan Gale, author Southerton shared his inspiration for writing the book—one built on collaboration. In fact, Southerton noted the early trade settlement and surroundings were home to Europeans, Americans, Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans. Likewise, the book was a collaboration of Korean and American teams. Building on this theme Southerton pointed out that today’s nearby Songdo International Business District (IBD) was, too, a diverse international collaboration of firms including Gale International, POSCO E&C, Kohn Pederson Fox, and most recently CISCO.
Joining Southerton on the podium, Mayor Ahn Sang-soo was presented with a copy of the book. The mayor then shared his vision for the city becoming one of the world’s top ten cities.
Following the book presentation, Southerton, conducted a tour for the American VIPs of Jayu Park and the historic Chinatown district.
Plans call for the book to be donated to Korea-focused organizations and universities in the U.S. and Korea. A full schedule of book promotion events is also planned.
About the Author Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and its rich culture. His previous books center on culture, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide, provides consulting and training to Korea-based global business.
About Gale International Gale International is a premier international real estate investment and development company with headquarters in New York and offices in Boston; Irvine, California; Seoul and Songdo, South Korea.
Breaking News, Songdo IBD Korea The August 6, 2009 Korea launch of Chemulpo to Songdo IBD was attended by a huge crowd including including Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo, Stan Gale- Chairman Gale International, former Ambassador Donald Gregg, local officials, Korean and American VIP guests, and media.
The event took place in the historic former Chemulpo Club, a gentleman’s club built in 1901. Following the book presentation, author Don Southerton, conducted a tour for the American VIPs of Jayu Park and the historic Chinatown district.
던 서들턴씨가 최근 자신이 발간한 책 ‘제물포에서 송도 국제무역지구(IBD)로; 대한민국의 국제적 관문’에 대해 설명하고 있다.
Korea Daily ( Jongang Ilbo) recently interviewed author Don Southerton. The Korea language newspaper shared Southerton’s intent for the book which covers 125 years of history for the port of Incheon with Songdo IBD and Gale International, the latest chapter in Korea’s long international development. Souttherton points out that like today the first westerners brought with them technology, commerce, new economic opportunity, and humanitarianism. The community also represents collaboration of Koreans and foreigners.
벽안의 미국인 사업가가 인천에 관한 의미있는 역사책을 발간해 화제다.
동서양 문화 교류를 자처하는 기업 ‘브리징 컬쳐’(Bridging Culture Worldwide)를 경영하는 사업가이자 역사가인 던 서들턴(56·SD거주)씨가 최근 인천의 125년 변천사를 담은 책 ‘제물포에서 송도 국제무역지구(IBD)로; 대한민국의 국제적 관문’을 펴냈다.
이 책 속에는 역사적으로 의미가 깊은 미공개 사진자료 70여장과 함께 다양한 계층의 서양인들의 눈에 비친 항구도시 인천의 모습이 충실히 담겨있다. 또한 125년전에 이미 중국과 일본은 물론 미,영,독,러,프랑스 외 유럽의 각 나라로 부터 몰려든 상인이나 관료, 선교사들이 활발한 활동을 벌이며 명실공히 국제도시의 면모를 자랑하던 인천(당시 제물포)의 모습을 각종 문헌 속의 증언과 자료를 바탕으로 상세히 기록했다.
또한 결론적으로 이책은 1880년대 서방에 개항한 이후 부터 국제도시의 면모를 착실히 다져온 인천 송도가 세계를 향해 무한한 성장 가능성을 갖고 있다고 역설하고 있다.
한편 전문가들은 이 책이 지금까지 출판된 어떤 자료보다도 인천을 역사적으로 정확히 재조명하고 있다는 평가다.
서들턴 씨는 이 책의 발간 동기에 대해 “수년간 사업차 양국을 오가며 송도가 국제도시로 선정된 이유가 궁금했다”며 “본격적으로 자료를 찾아보니 인천 역사의 수많은 부분이 일본에 의해 왜곡돼 있는 것을 발견하고 객관적인 시각을 가진 역사가로서 제대로 한번 알리고 싶었다”고 밝혔다. 때마침 송도국제도시 개발 프로젝트를 진행 중인 게일 인터내셔널(Gale International)사로 부터 적극적인 지원을 받아 1년동안 땀흘린 끝에 책을 완성한 것.
오는 6일(한국시간) 송도국제도시 오프닝 행사의 일환으로 ‘출판 기념회 및 리셉션’을 통해 최초로 공개될 이 책은 한글과 영어로 동시 표기돼 한국의 역사를 바로잡고 널리 알리는 데에도 크게 기여할 전망이다.
Don Southerton announces the release of a new pictorial history titled Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway. The book showcases 125 years of commerce, trade, and interaction in the nation’s first foreign trade hub, Incheon. The bilingual work is author Don Southerton’s latest writing on Korea and weaves key historic events with photographs and first-hand accounts, past and present.
Located on the western coast of Korea, Incheon has played a significant role in the history of the region since the late 19th century. Once called Chemulpo, as Korea opened its borders to the West, the backwater port quickly became home to a diverse group of foreign merchants, traders, entrepreneurs, and sojourners.
A century later, under the direction of Mayor Ahn Sang-soo and the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, the city’s waterfront region is again becoming an international community and center for business and trade. The book also highlights Songdo IBD, a 10-year project being developed by Gale International and POSCO E&C. The project seeks to make South Korea the preeminent business hub of East Asia.
Southerton notes, “With the world turning its attention to the Incheon Global Fair and Festival and the Grand Opening of Songdo International Business District sharing the port’s rich heritage is timely.”
In researching the book, the author explains, “Photographs from archives in Korea and the U.S. have been included, along with engaging stories about daily life in the port town from the past 125 years. To best showcase the port’s early progress, many of the photographs have been digitally reproduced from the original plates shot over 100 years ago.”
Finally, Southerton points out that the book shares the role of the foreign community in humanitarian efforts and the introduction of new technologies and innovations.
On August 6, 2009, a formal release will take place at the former Chemulpo Club in Incheon, Soon after, media events will follow in the U. S.
The global release of Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway is sponsored by Gale International.
About the Author Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and its rich culture. His previous books center on culture, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton also extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide, provides consulting and training to Korea-based global business.
Media preview of the book and select photographs are available by contacting the author.
Contacts For additional information and author interviews.
By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
I shared with a longtime friend and well-known Denver-based entrepreneur Stephen Oliver that over the past several years, I’ve been so focused on Korea writing projects I rarely pick up a book for casual reading. Later that day, I was skimming new book reviews and came upon Christopher Steiner’s $20 Per Gallon How the Inevitable Rise in the Price of Gasoline Will Change Our Lives for the Better. My hope was to find a interesting book, then take some time to read and reflect. Previewing the book online, I noticed the author lauded Songdo and the developer Gale International. How convenient!
After buying a copy and a giving the book a quick skim, I found that author Steiner sees New Songdo City (Songdo IBD) as a model for his future urban revolution. With quotes from Gale International CEO John Hynes III, $20 Per Gallon provide a nice overview on Songdo IBD interconnectedness, sustainability, and quality of living. The book is available at Amazon...
I am curious to the thoughts of Songdo IBD CityTalk readers on Steiner’s arguments and foresight.
The new book Chemulpo to Songdo IBD will soon be released. Details will be posted in the near future. In the meantime, plans are underway for media events in the US and Korea.
By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
Korea media notes that Cisco Systems, the world’s No. 1 network equipment maker and the Songdo IBD have signed a MOU to develop the Cisco Global Center for Intelligent Urbanization (CGCIU). The U.S. network equipment maker will provide technologies for energy saving and urban management.
Cisco Chairman John Chambers pointed out that the Songdo IBD project would launch Cisco’s vision of advanced integrated urban management network technology, which goal is to improve the quality of living.
Gale International Chairman Stan Gale shared that Cisco’s decision to select Songdo IBD for the CGCIU world headquarters highlights Songdo IBD’s ability to attract leading global companies to South Korea, which in turn will spur growth and create jobs.
By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
The Korean press frequently shares Incheon Free Economic Zone’s (IFEZ) amazing progress. At the heart is Songdo IBD. This Korea Herald article does a great job pointing out that within the greater IFEZ, Songdo is one of three districts. Within Songdo is the international hub–Songdo IBD–which includes among a number of high profile projects, the International School, Jack Nicklaus Golf course and community, Central Park, 1st World Towers, and the Northeast Trade Center.
Korea Herald notes:
The Incheon Free Economic Zone has begun to take shape as a new global financial and logistics hub in Northeast Asia with the first phase of its development project scheduled to be completed this year.
The planned city, some 30 kilometers west of Seoul, features a working and living environment built to meet the standards of global companies.
The first phase of the project included reclamation work that has created 12.11 million square meters of coastal land and completion of infrastructure facilities for mass transportation and quality living.
Once this new infrastructure is established this year, Incheon aims to create new jobs by attracting multinational companies.
The IFEZ, an hour’s drive from Seoul, will bring a shift in the region from being manufacturing-based to knowledge-based, and foster a value-added industry by establishing a service-oriented infrastructure, the IFEZ Authority said.
The IFEZ will be comprised of three major districts, each taking on a special function. Songdo will serve the biomedical field and global education institutions; Yeongjong will function as a transportation and logistics hub; and Cheongna will host a robot-themed amusement park. Since its establishment in 2003, the IFEZ has signed a total of 41 memoranda of understanding for a combined $57.9 billion in foreign direct investment, the IFEZ Authority said.
Songdo has been selected by the government to be developed into a state-of-the-art medical and welfare complex by 2020 – a project worth 3 trillion won in government investment. Songdo is aiming to build top-notch infrastructure that would make it a people-friendly and health-oriented district.
Songdo sits on more than 13,047 acres and it is expected to be developed into six main clusters: international business center [commonly referred to as Songdo IBD], knowledge-based industry complex, biotech complex, information technology cluster, international academic complex and the Incheon new port.
Starting July this year, underground trains will start to connect Songdo and Incheon. Songdo International School, which will run kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools is scheduled to open in September. A 405,000-square-meter central park located in the center of Songdo International Business District will be completed in June.
In addition, with the 12.3-kilometer bridge to be completed in October this year, the IFEZ will be only 15 minutes away from Incheon International Airport. The Incheon Bridge currently being built by a construction unit of Samsung C&T is to be the world’s fifth longest cable-stayed bridge. The construction will cost 2.5 trillion won, the authority said.
Even with the blueprints for the IFEZ, the lack of government support in building infrastructure and remaining regulations is making it hard for the IFEZ Authority to lure foreign investment, especially in times of economic decline, the office said.
“FEZs are supposed to offer a business-friendly environment as well as favorable tax breaks and other benefits to foreign investors. But not in FEZs in Korea,” an official of the IFEZ Authority said.
“The government also needs to simplify all the administrative work suitable for foreign investors,” he added.
