Seoul Mayor Boosts Tourism with ‘MSG Sphere’ Visit in Las Vegas

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Visits ‘MSG Sphere’ in Las Vegas to Enhance Seoul’s Tourism Competitiveness

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon recently visited the ‘MSG Sphere’ in Las Vegas as part of efforts to strengthen Seoul’s tourism competitiveness. The ‘MSG Sphere’ is a massive spherical building located in the heart of Las Vegas, constructed by Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG) with an investment of approximately 2.3 billion dollars.

World’s Largest Spherical Performance Venue

The ‘MSG Sphere’ is the world’s largest spherical performance venue, spanning three to seven floors and accommodating 18,600 seats. It boasts an 18K ultra-high-definition screen that stretches from the floor to the ceiling, covering an area of 15,000 square meters. With its haptic system, featuring 16,000 speakers, the ‘MSG Sphere’ enhances the sensory experience of the audience by delivering wind, scents, vibrations, and more.

Immersive Experiences at ‘MSG Sphere’

Currently, the ‘MSG Sphere’ offers an immersive experience through the screening of the film ‘Postcards from Earth’ directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film takes viewers on a journey through breathtaking canyons, meadows, mountains, and underwater scenes, immersing them in various sensory elements such as wind, vibrations, and scents. Each screening attracts an average of 5,000 viewers, with approximately four screenings per day.

Lucrative Advertising Opportunities

The ‘MSG Sphere’ also generates substantial revenue through external screen advertisements. Advertisers can have their ads displayed on the external screens for four hours, with an average daily cost of approximately 450,000 won. Recently, Samsung Electronics utilized this advertising opportunity during the CES 2024 event to showcase Galaxy Unpacked advertisements for 18 hours.

Plans for a Similar Venue in Hanam

Plans are underway to establish a similar venue known as ‘Sphere’ in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. While there is potential for competition between Seoul and Hanam in attracting major events, Mayor Oh emphasized that it would benefit both Seoul citizens and Gyeonggi Province residents. He proposed a groundbreaking idea of installing a “globe” underwater at the confluence of the Jungnangcheon and Han River to address light pollution.

Exploring Technological Advancements

During his visit, Mayor Oh also explored Elon Musk’s ‘The Boring Company’s’ futuristic tunnel system known as the ‘Las Vegas Loop.’ The Las Vegas Loop aims to introduce a high-speed mass transit system utilizing the ‘Hyperloop’ technology. Currently, the Las Vegas Loop operates as a pilot program using autonomous vehicles. Mayor Oh also visited ‘AREA 15,’ an experiential entertainment complex in Las Vegas, known for its advanced technology, immersive art exhibitions, and virtual reality attractions.

Enhancing Seoul’s Cultural and Tourism Competitiveness

Mayor Oh’s visit to the ‘MSG Sphere’ in Las Vegas aims to explore ways to enhance Seoul’s cultural and tourism competitiveness by utilizing K-content and establishing large-scale performance venues. Seoul already has prominent venues such as KSPO Dome, Gocheok Sky Dome, and Jamsil Sports Complex, with plans for additional venues like Changdong Arena and the 2nd Sejong Cultural Center. Seoul aims to surpass 10 million foreign tourists and attract over 30 million foreign tourists by 2026, generating an economic impact similar to that of Las Vegas.

Expanding MICE Industry and Business Tourism

Seoul, already recognized as the 9th international conference city, attracts an average of one million MICE tourists annually. The city plans to further expand the MICE industry and attract more business tourists by hosting exhibitions, major global sports and entertainment events, and developing customized markets for MICE and business tourism.

Through its ‘Seoul Tourism Vision,’ the city aims to attract over 30 million foreign tourists, surpassing the current 10 million mark, and establish itself as a global tourism city by 2026. Seoul expects to achieve an economic impact of approximately 104 trillion won by attracting 39 million tourists annually, including 5 million MICE tourists.

Mayor Oh’s visit to Las Vegas is part of Seoul’s long-term vision to elevate its cultural and tourism competitiveness through K-content and connect it to the city’s tourism industry. The establishment of large-scale performance venues is considered crucial for showcasing K-content and attracting more tourists to Seoul.