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Illuminating Hope: The Hanbit Tower Christmas Project of (Korea, 2020)

In a year overshadowed by the unsettling grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, when our world longed for a glimmer of hope and the warmth of togetherness, GeoBox had a precious opportunity to be part of an amazing project in Korea. The project aimed to share the beauty of audiovisual technology through the ‘Hanbit Tower Media Facade Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony’, held on December 14th at Hanbit Square, Expo Science Square. This event was our tribute to the enduring spirit of humanity and a testament to the power of technology in bringing us together.

projection mapping in korea

Behind the scenes

This projection mapping project received technical support from GeoBox’s exclusive partner, Electrosmith, in Korea. The project’s core essence lies in the utilization of pure hardware-based solutions. The synergy between the BrightSign media player and the GeoBox edge blending controller illuminates the towering monument with a radiant and precise spectacle. BrightSign seamlessly delivers high-resolution content, while GeoBox expertly handles geometric alignments and edge blending tasks, ensuring a flawless projection.

Technical Configurations

At Hanbit Square, our project took shape through the combined efforts of technology and human creativity. To illuminate this magnificent nearly 100-meter-tall tower, we employed four ultra-high-brightness Panasonic PT-RZ31K projectors, equipped with laser light sources and 3-chip DLP technology. These technological marvels emitted a dazzling 31,000 center lumens of WUXGA resolution, transforming the tower into a canvas of brilliance.

Our technical prowess was on full display as we executed a portrait projection, employing four sets (2×2) of Panasonic PT-RZ31K projectors. The GeoBox G804, along with the BrightSign media player, orchestrated a symphony of light and imagery. The seamless integration of these components ensured that every pixel and projection aligned perfectly, delivering an unforgettable visual experience.

The Tower and Its Symbolism

Hanbit Tower, standing tall at 93 meters, is a symbolic sculpture that commemorates the 1993 World Expo, a landmark event in the history of the Republic of Korea. Its design embodies light, science, and space, representing a beacon of hope that bridges the past, present, and future. The name “Hanbit,” meaning “a ray of light,” encapsulates the wisdom of yesteryears, connecting it with the infinite possibilities of the future.

The tower’s structure is a work of art in itself, with its lower part symbolizing the “past,” crafted from 1,993 granite stones, reminiscent of the year 1993 and the Cheomseongdae Observatory. The central section signifies the “present” and celebrates the progress of science in Korea. At the tower’s apex, a cone-shaped element represents the aspirations of the Korean people to reach new heights and propel themselves into a future brimming with promise.

The Hanbit Tower has been an emblem of the nation’s rich history, serving as a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress and resilience. Initially operated by the Hanwha Group, the tower found itself under the direct stewardship of the Daejeon Marketing Corporation. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary closure, but it rose again on May 21, 2020, rekindling the hope and spirit it symbolized.

A World with Sympathy

Once again, we witness a remarkable blend of projection mapping, video control, and image processing technologies. The Hanbit Tower project, which occurred 3 years ago, serves as an impressive showcase of human ingenuity and our unwavering fascination with technology. Amid a difficult time for the world, we united to bring hope and optimism to our city by illuminating it with light, symbolizing unity and resilience.