2014 is set to usher many stunning and iconic devices and outlets of technology, none perhaps as large and innovative as the Incheon Stadium in South Korea promises to be. In a long drawn out process of selecting the proper designer for such a task, the eventual winning design was one by Populous and their impressive team of architects, designers and visionaries. Their track record of otherworldly stadium designs along with thousands of completed projects over decades of advancements proves that their vision is a perfect match.

Combining futuristic design and stability with strong Asian culture and historical relevance will be both the challenge and prospective goal in this massive stadium design. Set to host the 2014 Asian Games, the stadium will seat more than 70,000 people and following the event will be downsized to hold a more comfortable 30,000.

“The stadium explores the successful marriage of temporary and permanent. The stadium design is based on an asymmetrical configuration with the main corporate and management facilities located on the permanent western side, creating efficiencies both in terms of construction and operations.  The Eastern side will be a lighter solution, the temporary modular seating structure will disappear after the games, and the stadium structure integrate into the local landscape.”– Populous Senior Principal Andrew James

Symbolism plays both a spiritual and historical role in Korean culture. Populous project architect, Daekwon Park said the traditional Buddhist ritual “Seung Moo Dances”, provided the image that reflected perfectly the drama of Incheon stadium that will explain and embody the flowing form and space around dynamic movement of the stadium.

Transportation

Air Travel

Incheon International Airport remains atop the world’s largest and busiest airports in the world while boastfully holding a seven year running (2005-2012) title as the world’s best airport according to Airports Council International. With obvious focus on air travel, the Incheon Airport also provides an 18 hole golf course, pool and spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, casino, indoor gardens and the Museum of Korean Culture.

Airport authorities claim that average departure and arrival time is 12-19 minutes compared to a 60-45 minute worldwide average making it one of the world’s most efficient airports in the world for customs processing. Business Traveler also rated the Incheon International Airport’s duty-free mall the world’s best for three consecutive years. International travel still worrisome? Airport Authorities have recently released a documented and undeniably impressive .0001% baggage mishandling rate since their existence.

To the Stadium

Subway

While the busing system is efficient, locals label it crowded as it circulates to and from Incheon to capital city Seoul and everywhere in between. The subway system seems to be the quickest mode of transportation about the city and the soon to be stadium. A single line subway station is what stands as of now stretching across 29.4 km of tracks and 28 stations to reach Seoul Metropolitan Subway.

Line two of the quick winding web of tracks is soon to be added providing easier access to the Incheon Stadium and its surrounding food venues and malls. The second line that will be completed around the same time as the stadium, will similarly mirror it’s first line with 29.2 km of tracks and 27 stations to eventually connect to the city of Oryu.

Food

Bihanee Restaurant

Specializing in Indian and Nepali cultured food, Bihanee Restaurant is the essence of privacy and delicious cuisine. TripAdvisor reviews gives Bihanee an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars for its excellent service and equally excellent food. Locals and travelers alike claim that the Bihanee Indian food is world renowned and sets a national standard for its specific menu items. Travelers stated that Bihanee was difficult to find in its exclusive location but gives the restaurant the cozy home feeling backed locally acclaimed Nepalese owner.

Taco Cielo

Oddly enough, Mexican cuisine is highly recommended in Incheon if travelers seek out Taco Cielo and their uncharacteristic mexican food located in South Korea. Tourists and locals alike enjoy Taco Cielo and their daily specials that are askew from traditional Korean food. A five out of five rating by TripAdvisor labels Taco Cielo as a top choice near downtown Incheon and soon to be Stadium. Wacky additions to traditional food such as french fries replacing rice in the common burritos is just one way Taco Cielo keeps customers happy and willing to return to expect the unexpected in their food experience.

Hotels

Hyatt Regency Incheon

Receiving high honors by TripAdvisor and the happy guests it has successfully served, the Hyatt Regency in Incheon was voted #1 hotel in Incheon as well as the 2013 Traveler’s Choice Award. As most Hyatt Regency hotels around the world are, the Incheon location similiarly holds itself to higher standards for both business and pleasure type guests. Commonly used as a lay over stay for passengers awaiting flights, the Hyatt Regency provides higher quality club level rooms and dining areas as well as a pool and sauna. The short three minute ride from the Incheon Airport in the free shuttle service raises the question: why can’t travel and transit be met with style?

Hotel Queen Incheon

Due to the location of Incheon and the remoteness of the city and its famous airport, many hotels are considered transit layover stays. However, some hotels consider themselves much more than a disappointing last resort. Hotel Queen located in Incheon Airport Town Square takes on the transit traveler responsibility sufficiently by receiving TripAdvisor’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence. A close 3 block proximity to downtown Incheon and the anticipated stadium provides convenience and comfort to both accidental and expected guests alike. Guests rave about the Hotel Queen and its unbeatable prices of those compared to neighboring hotels that go along with the high end cleanliness of the rooms.