By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger
On my recent trip to Songdo IBD, I attended and participated in a number of events. The unveiling of the Gale International–POSCO E&C whales’ statue was memorable. It commemorates the strong partnership between NYC-based Gale International and Korea-based POSCO E & C. Among the Korean and American VIPs and officials on hand at the unveiling were a number of Gale International chairman Stan Gale’s family, friends, and long time business colleagues–many in Korea for the first time. Gale noted in his speech the importance of family and building strong long lasting ties–stressing his family’s long business roots. Moreover, Gale stressed the strong bond between America and Korea, and Gale International and its partner POSCO. Significantly, the statue’s whales showcase both Gale and POSCO maritime roots.
Some details…
Huntington, NY… August 13, 2009… What is a familiar image to residents of Long Island’s North Shore—the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty whale logo, is getting a whole new audience in the Far East.
A commemorative statue, “Cruising Together,” depicting two whales spanning the globe, has been installed in South Korea’s Songdo International Business District, an emerging urban center developed by Gale International and POSCO E & C. Stanley C. Gale, grandson of the founder of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, is the Chairman of Gale International.
The statue, which was installed in Songdo’s Central Park, is modeled after the first and current Daniel Gale Sotheby’s whale logos, and symbolizes the unique partnership and friendship Gale International and Posco E&C have achieved over the course of this project.
“The Gale family and its associated businesses, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty included, have a history of being at the forefront of new ideas and opportunities,” said Patricia Petersen, President and CEO of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. “This latest accomplishment reflects and honors that tradition, and presents another yet another unique opportunity for real estate buyers and investors around the world to be aware of what Long Island, and Daniel Gale Sotheby’s, has to offer.”
The Songdo International Business District, roughly the size of downtown Boston, is being constructed on reclaimed land near Inchon, South Korea, an easy flight from China and other rapidly developing areas of Northeast Asia. Begun in 2002, Songdo represents a $35 billion city-within-a-city near Seoul’s international airport. It is one of the world’s largest commercial developments.
The statue, constructed of bronze, is 18 ft in length, 15.7 ft in width and 20 ft in height, and was made by Han Jeong-ho, Head of Soto Design Architect and Lee Young-song, a famous Korean artist.
Founded in 1922, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty consistently leads the nation in achieving one of the highest average sales prices in the country.