The “Wonder Globe” installed at SK Group’s integrated exhibition booth in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) during CES 2024. (Image provided by SK Group)
ULSAN, South Korea, Jan. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — A striking media art installation that captivated visitors at CES 2024 in Las Vegas has found a permanent home in Ulsan’s petrochemical complex.
Renamed the Magic Sphere, the 6-meter-wide LED sculpture, formerly known as the “Wonder Globe,” was unveiled during a lighting ceremony at SK Innovation’s Ulsan Complex on December 31.
Revitalizing Industrial Spaces with Art
The Magic Sphere is part of the “Fun City Ulsan: Industrial Landscape Improvement Project,” a collaboration between Ulsan City and SK Innovation to transform aging industrial sites into vibrant cultural spaces.
After showcasing SK’s vision for a sustainable future at CES, the installation was repurposed to inject artistic energy into Ulsan’s manufacturing hub. Construction began in June 2024, and the installation was completed by December.
The city plans to enhance accessibility by upgrading nearby sidewalks and fences and adding photo zones, aiming to establish the Magic Sphere as both a cultural landmark and a popular tourist destination.
The “Wonder Globe” installed at SK Group’s integrated exhibition booth in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) during CES 2024. (Image provided by SK Group)
Transforming Ulsan’s Image
Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom highlighted the initiative’s broader impact. “If we can transform the bleak gray industrial complex into an artistic and cultural corridor, it will become a signature industrial tourism destination for Ulsan,” he said. The city also called on local businesses to actively participate in similar projects, promising administrative support.
Lee Chun-gil, Executive Vice President of SK Innovation’s Ulsan Complex, emphasized the company’s commitment to community engagement. “We aim to leverage SK Innovation’s industrial assets to collaboratively develop cultural content for Ulsan,” he said.
As the Magic Sphere lights up the industrial skyline, it signals a new chapter for Ulsan, blending art, industry, and community into a revitalized urban landscape.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
