LG Flew Us To South Korea To Showcase Their Cutting-Edge Tech & New Rent-Up Service
Watch our tour video in the article! :D
LG recently flew us to South Korea, the home of the multinational conglomerate, where we visited their factory manufacturing home appliances ranging from water purifiers to refrigerators and televisions
We embarked on a five-day-four-night trip to Changwon and Seoul, immersing ourselves in LG's world. Our journey took us to LG Smart Park, LG Science Park, and LG Best Shop and Signature Kitchen Suite galleries.
While the names these locations might seem generic at first glance, stepping inside revealed that the future is already here. We were awestruck by LG's state-of-the-art technology witnessing firsthand how they've perfected the manufacturing processes to deliver impeccable quality and stylish home appliances.
Our media trip provided a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and witness the inner workings and R&D efforts driving LG's products. As the saying goes, "Seeing is believing". Join us as we guide you through each location, shedding light on LG's dominance in South Korea and its global presence, which many Malaysians may not yet be aware of.
LG Smart Park
LG Smart Park in Changwon, just a 40-minute drive from Busan, stands as LG's factory complex, boasting 5G network connectivity, advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable technology.
The factory complex is so technologically advanced that it has earned the prestigious title of 'Lighthouse Factory' from the World Economic Forum.
LG is serious about its commitment to sustainability. Forty percent of the factory's energy consumption is solar-powered, showcasing its dedication to reducing environmental impact. This commitment extends beyond conserving natural resources to prioritising the wellbeing of its factory workers.
On the production lines, employees require minimal physically demanding labour to handle heavy equipment or appliance parts.
Throughout the factory, Automated Guided Vehicles are a common sight, effortlessly transporting heavy tools from supply rooms to assembly stations. LG aptly calls it the Digitally Enabled End-To-End Material Transport System. Some of these transportation devices are even embedded in conveyor belts, ensuring a swift and efficient delivery service.
The factory also harnesses Digital Twin Technology, a sophisticated system that utalises cameras and data logs of robotics' movements, among other things, to analyse production metrics every 30 seconds. This enables preciseprediction of any potential issues that may arise in the next 10 minutes. You could say that this technology is almost like a time machine. ; )
By leveraging LG's proprietary AI technology, the factory can manufacture 58 models on a single refrigerator production line. While some models may seem similar, AI integration eliminates human errors and guarantees superior products with minimal defects.
LG also employs Intelligent Automation to tackle labour-intensive tasks, such as welding and lifting heavy parts. At the end of the production line, a network of conveyor belts, lifts, and robotic arms seamlessly moves refrigerators between floors for packing, minimising workers' exposure to harmful packaging chemicals.
All and all, the 'Light House' factory takes care of both the environment and employees' welfare. The factory even has a breakroom equipped with massage chairs, drinks, and a comfortable lounge area for workers to rest during lunch breaks. NGL, we were a little bit envious.
We were not permitted to film during the factory tour, but the video below offers a peek into the manufacturing hub:
LG Science Park
LG Science Park is the company's R&D hub. It is the largest R&D complex in South Korea, spanning over one million square metres (equivalent to 152 football pitches) and accommodating around 20,000 employees. These include staff members from eight LG affiliate companies, partner firms, and startups collaborating together.
During our visit to the Science Park, LG took us on a museum tour. However, there were certain prototypes and products that we weren't permitted to film.
With that said, there are plenty of facts to share. Did you know that LG also produces display panels for Mercedes-Benz, as well as cosmetics and pharmaceutical products?
We also had the opportunity to interact with a handful of newly launched products during the tour. The crowd favourite, without a doubt, was the LG InstaView fridge with MoodUP. More details on that below.
LG Best Shop and LG Signature Kitchen Suite galleries
This is the segment where we bring you to Gangnam, Seoul, one of the most affluent areas in the capital city.
LG said that there are currently 500 to 700 million LG products in use worldwide. The multistorey LG Best Shop showroom in Gangnam serves as a haven for customers to explore, demo, and interact with the latest products for the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and beyond.
One of the home appliances that stood out the most is the LG Styler, a smart wardrobe that refreshes, sanitises, and dries your clothes.
The sales assistant informed us that Koreans often enjoy BBQ for dinner, which can leave leaves their jackets soaked with food odours. This scenario resonates with Malaysian culture, where food courts, hot pot restaurants, and curry houses are popular. This product effectively eliminates this issue.
LG also offers a colour-changing refrigerator called the LG InstaView Fridge with MoodUP. You can adjust its temperature and colour-display panels to match your mood. One of the coolest features demonstrated by the sales assistant is the ability to play music on the refrigerator, with the colours changing according to the mood of the song. Amazing!
If these products do not pique your interest, then you should see what the LG Signature Kitchen Suite showroom has to offer. The six-storey gallery showcases LG's top-of-the-line home appliances that blend elegance with premium products.
Watch the video we filmed at the galleries below:
You can now rent LG home appliances with its new Rent Up service
From as low as RM40, you can rent water purifiers, air purifiers, LG Stylers, smart TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and more.
It is a modern way of home living, offering customers peace of mind in terms of product warranty and maintenance. LG will periodically check in to service your products, offering a cost-effective way to own a multitude of home appliances without breaking the bank.
The rental plans vary in duration, ranging from five to seven years, with no upfront payment required upon application. At the end of the rental period, the products will belong to the customers. This offers worry-free ownership of a wide variety of products.
Check out the LG Rent Up service page here for more information.