‘Avengers’ sequel to film in Seoul

Some scenes from the sequel to Hollywood blockbuster “The Avengers” will be filmed in and around Seoul from March 30-April 9.

U.S.-based Marvel Studios signed a memorandum of understanding with the related Korean authorities on Tuesday regarding filming dates and six locations ― five in Seoul and one in its outskirts ― for “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

The five locations in Seoul are Cheongdam Grand Bridge, a northern road in Digital Media City in Sangam-dong, Gangnam Boulevard, Mapo Grand Bridge and “Saebit Dungdungseom,” which is the city-owned, man-made island floating on the Han River.

The site out of Seoul is a road near Kaywon University of Art and Design in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province.

“Joss (Whedon) was also excited to shoot the film in the country and show the world the beauty of Korea never seen before. Its cutting edge technology, breath-taking landscapes and unique architecture make it an ideal place for Marvel and ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron,’” said Mitchell Bell, vice president of physical production at Marvel Studios, at the signing ceremony. Joss Whedon is directing many of the Marvel universe films.

It is the first time a Hollywood blockbuster will be filmed in the country.

“Filming the Avengers sequel in Korea will bring new opportunities to the Korean movie and tourism industries. It will bring more people to Korea and also let the world better know the Korean movie industry,” said Cho Hyun-jae, first vice minister of culture, sports and tourism.

According to the Korean Film Council, the film shoot will involve more than 120 Korean cinematography staff and Korean actress Soohyun, also known as Claudia Kim. The economic benefit to the Korean movie industry is estimated at about $23 million (25.1 billion won).

The Korean government provides a cash incentive to foreign movie production companies to film scenes in the country. It offers a cash rebate of 20 to 30 percent of in-country production costs. Eligible films must have more than 80 percent of their budget provided by foreign investors.

Traffic will be shut down at the film locations for 11 to 13 hours a day. The 1.6-kilometer-long Mapo Grand Bridge will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 30; the 1.8-km northern road in Digital Media City from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 2-4; the 1.5-km Cheongdam Grand Bridge from 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 5 and the 730-meter Gangnam Boulevard from 4:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 6.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)