The Futuristic Cities Designed Around Airports

New Songdo International Business District in South Korea is an aerotropolis strategically located just over seven miles from Incheon International Airport.

New Songdo, South Korea

Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport is a gateway for Southeast Asia. It has the world's tallest free-standing control tower, and the world's 4th largest single-building airport terminal.

The interior of an apartment in New Songdo, South Korea.

On the outside, Cathay City in Hong Kong is a quiet and seemingly calm business block. Step inside, however, and you are immediately engulfed by the energy of a company that's got places to go and airplanes to fly. Flight attendants in their sharp red skirt suits powerwalk past, desk workers grab a candy bar from the atrium shop before going back to tweaking graphic design on an in-flight meal napkin, and pilots grab a post-flight beer in the pub.

Flight attendants pose for selfies in New Songdo, South Korea.

Tourists from China visit developments in downtown Bangkok. The two-story retail store offers a wide range of luxury merchandise, watches, leather goods, perfumes, skincare products and cosmetics, electrical appliances and jewelry.

New Songdo, South Korea.

Travellers rest in recliners in Bangkok.

A playground in New Songdo, South Korea.

Sculptures in New Songdo, South Korea.