Hankook opens largest tire testing facility in Asia

TAEAN, South Korea — Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. is going bigger — and more technological — than ever before with its testing capabilities. .

The Seoul, South Korea-based tire maker has opened a proving ground in Taean, a port district on Korea's west coast, that covers more than 13.5 million square feet — as large as 125 soccer fields — and features 13 test tracks. The facility is the largest in Asia, according to Hankook Tire.

Hankook did not say how much it invested in the facility, dubbed Hankook Technoring. The complex will be instrumental in testing Hankook's next-generation products, including tires for electric vehicles ranging from supercars to trucks and buses, allowing speed tests to reach 155 mph.

In addition to the 13 test tracks, the new proving ground also features a 121-foot tall control tower, which allows for a deeper understanding of testing progress through integrated monitoring systems that help to factor in various test surface and climate conditions.

"Tires, being the only media in a vehicle that makes contact with the road surface, are the key for maximizing vehicle performance, providing safety, satisfying fuel efficiency, and driving comfort," Hyunbum Cho, chairman and CEO of Hankook & Co., said in a statement.

"This is why we, at Hankook, recognize the need for various testing grounds to ensure best product quality in all conditions."

The facility, intended as a key component in Hankook's interconnected research and development infrastructure, is equipped with office space, workshops, fueling stations and electric vehicle charging stations. The facility will be connected to and work closely with the company's global headquarters — Hankook Technoplex — and the Hankook Technodome, the tire maker's central R&D Center.

Testing conducted at Hankook Technoring will allow the tire maker to accelerate its digital transformation. The goal, the company said, is to develop virtual optimization technology that relies on artificial intelligence. Ultimately, Hankook looks to build a database of tires and vehicles that provides insights as to how they respond to the most severe environmental conditions. This will be foundational for the development of products for future mobility.

Hankook also looks to build its partnerships with other mobility companies, start-ups and educational institutions to help further its understanding of the future mobility landscape.

"The strengthened R&D infrastructure will allow Hankook to continue taking the lead of the automotive industry in the future," Hankook said..

"As a mecca for breakthrough innovations, Hankook Technoring will play a pivotal role in providing optimal solutions for upcoming e-mobility and autonomous vehicle era, meeting premium car makers' stringent and diversified demands."

Attending the May 25 opening ceremony for Hankook Technoring were Cho; Sooil Lee, president and CEO of Hankook Tire; Jongseon Ahn, chief operating officer of Hankook & Co.; Jongho Park, president and chief administrative officer of Hankook Tire; and Bonhee Ku, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Hankook Tire.