Theme park and attraction operator Merlin Entertainments announced today plans to open the Legoland Korea resort by 2022 — among its offerings will be a theme park and resort hotel.
Legoland Korea will be built on the island of Hajungdo in Chuncheon, which is about one hour east of Seoul. It’s expected to employ roughly 1,600 people, providing an economic boost to the city of Chuncheon and the region around it.
The resort will join nine other Legoland theme parks across the globe. One of those, Legoland New York, is scheduled to open in 2020.
The total cost of the Legoland Korea resort, including the hotel, is expected to be KRW 290 billion ($258.5 million). Merlin will own and operate the resort and will contribute over 70 percent of the total cost. with the remainder coming from a local investment group as well as various levels of South Korean governments.
Merlin CEO Nick Varney said:
“It’s been long in gestation, but I’m delighted that we are now in a position to move forward with opening Legoland Korea Resort. We know Koreans love theme parks and love Lego, and together with the Gangwon authorities, we have already established an attractive and well-connected site in Chuncheon.”
“We look forward to accelerating progress with our partners who have contributed significantly with funding and infrastructural support, and to welcoming our first guests to Legoland Korea Resort.”
The Legoland Korea project has been in development since 2011. After numerous delays, it appears that the resort is finally coming to fruition.
What other markets do you think could support a Legoland theme park and resort? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Recent Discussion