Initial engineering work has started on new mixed-use destination resort that highlights South Korea's technological advances in the field of robotics.

Located in the north-western city of Incheon, Robot Land will include a range of facilities, including a robot research and development centre, a convention centre, an exhibition hall and a theme park featuring innovative play equipment and a range of experimental attractions.

It is expected that Phase One of construction will be completed in September 2016. Phase Two, which includes development of hotels and apartments, is expected to be complete by the end of 2018.

Robot Land was originally pegged for completion in early 2014, but the project was put on hold while environmental reviews were carried out.

Korea's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy first presented the idea for the park back in 2007, as part of a larger plan to stimulate South Korea's robotics industry by generating public interest in consumer robots.

The national project that will include private and public joint development. A total of KRW700bn ($666m), including KRW56bn ($53m) from the government, KRW100bn ($95m) from the province, KRW110bn ($105m) from the city and KRW434bn ($413m) of private funds will be invested.

The project will occupy an area of 1,260,000sq.m, and the land purchase is about 89 per cent complete, reports indicate.