Throughout history, geographical convenience led to international business being transacted primarily through Southern Asia within relatively close proximity to the hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore.  The explosion of economic and business growth experienced by Northeast Asia in the last decade has led to the need for another northern Asian hub.

Songdo officially opened on August 7, 2009 as a designated Free Economic Zone and the first new sustainable city in the world designed to be an international business district.  Northeast Asia, anchored by Japan, China and Korea, is home to three of the largest economies in the world, all with dynamic business environments.  Songdo, "The Gateway to Northeast Asia", is the first city in the world planned and designed as an international financial hub.