Hankook Tire has unveiled an intricate LEGO model of its state-of-the-art Technoring testing facility, constructed using approximately 8,000 bricks by renowned artist Wani Kim, Asia's first LEGO Certified Professional.
The 1:700 scale replica captures the essence of the sprawling Taean, South Korea facility, which spans an area equivalent to 125 football pitches and features 13 test circuits. The detailed model includes the facility's distinctive 37-metre-high control tower, along with miniature vehicles fitted with Hankook tyres traversing the various test tracks.
The project, part of Hankook's "Hankook X Digital Creator" artist collaboration series, required significantly more planning than standard LEGO sets. Kim, one of just 24 certified professionals worldwide, developed custom programmes to manage the thousands of components and create detailed build plans for the complex structure.
"Similar to tyres, whose development, design and manufacture are significantly more complex than they appear at first glance, a build project involving more than 5,000 LEGO bricks requires a lot more planning and tools," explained Hankook in announcing the project.
The model faithfully reproduces key features of the Technoring facility, which opened in 2022, including the skid pad, office buildings, and off-road tracks. To ensure longevity of the artwork, Kim employed unconventional techniques for LEGO construction, occasionally using hammers and adhesive to create a permanent installation.
The LEGO Technoring model represents the latest collaboration in Hankook's ongoing partnership with influential artists aimed at engaging younger audiences. Since launching in 2022, the "Hankook X Digital Creator" series has featured work by digital artist KAZE PARK (Seungwoo Park) and illustrator sketch_juny, alongside Kim's LEGO creations.
Kim, whose portfolio includes designing the window display for Louis Vuitton's Seoul store, documented the build process in a time-lapse video showcasing the transformation of thousands of individual bricks into a replica of one of Asia's most advanced tyre testing facilities.
The Technoring facility itself represents a significant investment in research and development for Hankook, providing comprehensive testing capabilities across multiple surfaces and conditions to support the development of premium tyre technology.
Tagged with: Hankook Technoring, LEGO model, Wani Kim, tyre testing, proving ground, South Korea, 13 test circuits, control tower, R&D, digital creator, EV tyres, miniature build
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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