Merlin to develop Korean Legoland attraction?

A Legoland park in Korea could be realised as part of Merlin Entertainments' focus to develop new Legoland attractions in the Asia Pacific region.

The UK-based attractions giant, which is set to open a Legoland Discovery Centre 'Midway' attraction next summer in Tokyo, followed by a full size Legoland Malaysia park in the autumn, is understood to have reached principal agreements with the Gangwon Provincial Government and key potential private investors for a park in Korea, opening the way for more detailed negotiations.

Work will now begin on detailed planning related to the potential new site in Chuncheon City in Gangwon province, South Korea, approximately 60 kilometres from Seoul.

It is envisaged that funding would be a combination of local resources combined with direct investment from Merlin. The location is in an area earmarked for major investment in tourism and commercial developments by the local authority and is well connected with roads, rail and infrastructure.

A Merlin spokesperson told UK-magazine Park World that the location "is in a spectacular natural setting, providing an opportunity to create the first ever Legoland park on an island in a lake."

Merlin's Managing Director for Legoland parks John Jakobsen explains that "the Asia Pacific region provides a great opportunity for Merlin's continued development across our brands, but particularly Legoland (and) we look forward to working with our potential partners and investors in Korea to take the project to a stage where we can put it forward to the Merlin Board for investment approval."

Merlin is understood to be considering other potential development sites in the Asia Pacific region.

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