Merlin Entertainments, a UK firm that is famous for its theme parks and other attraction developments, has decided to expand its services in South Korea with a Legoland project worth £205 million.
This colourful park is built on the island of Hajungdo in Chuncheon, a site that is an hour away from the east of Seoul. Approximately 24 million people will be able to access it within just a 2-hour journey. The Legoland is expected to open its gates for the visitors by 2022.
Merlin is building this theme park in partnership with the provincial government of Gangwon. The project is not just limited to the development of a park; it will also include a Legoland-themed hotel, which will magnify its charm.
According to Merlin Entertainments, this project will boost employment. The statistics indicate that the park will create jobs for over 1,600 people. Furthermore, the tickets and other profits acquired will enhance the economic growth of Chuncheon and the areas in its vicinity.
Merlin Entertainments is the major investor in this project as it is contributing a mammoth amount— £148 million. LL Developments, an organisation working with the Gangwon Province, is providing funding of £56 million. The remaining £1 million will come from the local, regional and national governments. Due to the major contribution of Merlin, it will completely own and operate the resort.
Following the opening of the ninth park in New York in 2020, The Legoland Park in South Korea is the tenth instalment of Merlin Entertainments.
Their developments in Asia are not just limited to South Korea; they are also negotiating with third parties in China. They have set their eyes on twenty other locations as well which they believe are suitable for Legoland theme park developments.
According to Nick Varney, the CEO of Merlin Entertainments, the company was aware of the Koreans fascination with theme parks and Lego and hence a new Legoland in their country was a necessity. He also highlighted that the concept development and acceptance took some time but it has finally progressed towards the design and construction phase.
He is confident that the company and the partners will make this project a huge success. He expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the Koreans for their hospitality, infrastructure and funding support.
He is looking forward to the utilisation of Legoland theme parks and its potential and contribution in accelerating Merlin’s business growth. He also hinted his plans of furthering this venture to other parts of the world.
Merlin Entertainments contribution to the recreational sector of South Korea is not just limited to the Legoland development; in fact, it also operates a Busan based Sea Life Centre.
