The first LEGOLAND in Asia is currently under construction in Johore in Malaysia – just north of Singapore – with a scheduled opening next autumn. Korea now seems to become the host country for the second LEGOLAND in Asia.
Merlin Entertainments Group, Europe’s leading and the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, has identified Asia Pacific as an important new development region for future LEGOLAND Park developments. and has started detailed planning related to the potential new site which is in Chuncheon City in Gangwon province, Korea, approximately 60km from the capital of Seoul.
“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”, said John Jakobsen, Merlin Entertainments’ Managing Director LEGOLAND Parks.
“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. “
Funding will likely be a combination of local resources combined with direct investment from Merlin; and the location is in an area where the local authority is already committed to major investment in tourism and commercial developments. It is also well connected with roads, rail and infrastructure. More than that, it is in a spectacular natural setting, providing an opportunity to create the first ever LEGOLAND Park on its own Island in a lake.
Merlin already has nine ‘midway ‘attractions in the Asia Pacific region – in Hong Kong; Shanghai; Bangkok; and, following an acquisition earlier this year – six in Australia and New Zealand. New midway developments have also recently been announced in Tokyo (LEGOLAND Discovery Centre); and Sydney (Madame Tussauds).
