Ulsan holds a special place in South Korean motoring history for being the venue of Hyundai’s first manufacturing grounds. And according to the Korean automaker, the complex is currently the largest automobile plant comprised of five independent plants.

Last month, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for a new production facility exclusively for electric vehicles. Being Hyundai’s first new plant in South Korea after the Asan plant in 1996, this will set the stage for Hyundai’s growth in the age of electrification.

The brand’s vision is “Progress for humanity,” and in line with this, the factory will be adopting a people-centered design. Natural light will be maximized, and there will be a group lounge to allow people to rest and socialize. Also, a central park will serve as a green space connecting each of the buildings.

The upcoming facility will also apply the manufacturing platform from the Innovation Center in Singapore, which includes the use of AI-based control systems, low-carbon construction methods, and renewable energy. This will allow production to be more efficient and flexible, as well as environment-friendly.

Around $1,530,000,000 (P85,000,000,000) will be invested in the new plant, which will be built on a 548,000sq-m site. Construction has just begun in the fourth quarter of this year.

Once it is finished in 2025, production will begin in the first quarter of 2026. A manufacturing capacity of 200,000 EVs per year is expected, with the Genesis electric SUV to be the first model to roll off the line.

“The new EV-dedicated Plant in Ulsan is the beginning of a promising future for the next 50 years and the era of electrification,” said Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung. “Just as the dream of building the best car in the past made Ulsan an automotive city today, I trust Ulsan will be an innovative mobility city that leads the way in the era of electrification, starting with a dedicated EV plant.”