Merlin Entertainments Group has revealed that it is involved in detailed negotiations over the opening of a LEGOLAND theme park in Korea.
The company, which currently operates LEGOLAND theme parks in Europe and the US, has reached principal agreements with the regional government and private investors in Gangwon province. The potential site for LEGOLAND Korea is in Chuncheon City, around 60km from the capital city of Seoul.
If construction of the park goes ahead, it will be joint-funded by local investors and Merlin itself. LEGOLAND Korea would be situated in a “spectacular natural setting”, on an island in the middle of a lake. It would be expected to include the usual array of LEGO-themed attractions, aimed at families with children aged 2-12.
Detailed planning is now underway on the proposed project, which would see Merlin open its seventh LEGOLAND park. The fifth, LEGOLAND Florida, is due to open on October 15, 2011, while LEGOLAND Malaysia is currently under construction and will debut in autumn 2012.
Describing the plans, Merlin’s Managing Director of LEGOLAND Parks John Jakobsen said:
“We are very excited to have reached this agreement in Korea, which illustrates the strength of the LEGOLAND brand, and of Merlin’s business model across the globe. The Asia Pacific region provides a great opportunity for Merlin’s continued development across our brands, but particularly LEGOLAND. Over the next several months 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.”
Another project from the Legoland crew, it seems to me that these parks are popping up all over the world at the moment, as a sure fire success with families!!
