Merlin Entertainments is to open a 10th Legoland theme park. The new venture will be realised in partnership with the Gangwon Provincial Government and is scheduled to open by 2022.

Legoland Korea will be situated on the island of Hajungdo in Chuncheon. Located approximately one hour’s east of Seoul, this will provide access to nearly 24 million people within a two-hour drive time. The theme park resort will also incorporate a fully themed Legoland Hotel upon opening.

The total cost of the project, including the on-site accommodation, is expected to be KRW 290 billion (US$260m). Merlin will invest KRW 210 billion into the development of the resort, which it will fully own and operate. The remaining funding will come from LL Developments, the investment arm of Gangwon Province. Funding for necessary additional infrastructure adjacent to the resort will be provided by national, regional and local governments. The project is expected to employ 1,600 people.

More Legolands around the world

Ahead of the new park in Korea, Legoland New York is scheduled to open in 2020. Merlin is now in advanced discussions with third parties about a number of sites for Legoland Parks in China and sees opportunity eventually for 20 Legoland parks around the world.

“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,” says Nick Varney, Merlin’s chief executive. “We know Koreans love theme parks and love Lego. We remain excited about the potential of Legoland Parks, the roll out of which is a strategic growth driver for Merlin.”

The Lego brand was introduced to South Korea in 1984 and quickly established itself as one of the country’s best loved toy brands. Merlin already operates a Sea Life aquarium in the city of Busan.
The Korean Government, Gangwon Province and Chuncheon City have invested in the construction of a new bridge to Hajungdo island and undertaken groundworks on the site. Further retail and complementary leisure offerings are planned as part of the island’s development.