Hyundai Motor Group has transformed the lobby of its Yangjae headquarters in Seoul into a massive open plaza [1].
The renovation represents a shift in corporate architecture designed to break down traditional hierarchies. By replacing restrictive office structures with open spaces, the company aims to encourage spontaneous communication and the generation of innovative ideas among its workforce [1].
Chairman Chung Eui-sun said the project was completed during a “Lobby Story Townhall” event [1]. The construction process lasted one year and 11 months [1]. The resulting space is an expansive open plaza equivalent to the size of five soccer fields [1].
The renovation is extensive in scale, spanning from basement 1 up to the fourth floor of the facility [1]. This multi-level integration is intended to create a fluid environment where employees from different departments can intersect and collaborate more freely [1].
Chung said the space was implemented as a communication hub. The project focuses on the physical manifestation of a corporate culture that prizes openness over rigid formality [2]. The Yangjae headquarters serves as a central node for the company's operations in South Korea, and the redesign of its core lobby signals a broader strategic move toward a more agile organizational structure [2].
“The resulting space is an expansive open plaza equivalent to the size of five soccer fields.”
This architectural overhaul reflects a global trend among major corporations to move away from siloed office environments. By investing in a massive, open-concept hub, Hyundai is attempting to institutionalize collaboration and creativity, signaling to employees and investors that the company is prioritizing a modern, flexible corporate culture to drive its next phase of innovation.




