A new Chinatown Korea is planned for the Yellow Sea Free Economic Zone (YSFEZ), located in Pyeongtaek.

Except this one will be a whole lot bigger than those in other countries…

The 2.32 million sqm area, which is almost five times the size of the famous Chinatown Manhattan, will be “a full-scale shopping and tourism mecca”, according to sources.

A special purpose company named China Castle was established to oversee the project, with 50 per cent of the investment coming from China’s Legions Group and 40 per cent in private investment from both China and Korea. The project proposal is currently awaiting approval from authorities.

Jae-wan Yang, the head of China Castle, is hoping for 50 million annual visitors by the year 2025, and expects the new city to become a major tourism competitor to Macao and Hong Kong by 2035.

The new town will “encompass Chinese culture and appeal to both Chinese tourists and businesses”, he said.

New luxury hotels, convention centers, shopping facilities, and concert halls are all part of the project. China Castle also plans to build residences and an international school in order to attract families and students.

Upon the town’s completion, 40,000 jobs are expected to be created, with 30,000 people moving into the area. About 20 million tourists are expected to visit the area annually.

• Original reporting by By Lina Jang of Korea Bizwire.