UK theme park and attractions firm Merlin Entertainments is to develop a £205 million Legoland in South Korea.
Legoland Korea is due to open on the island of Hajungdo in Chuncheon by 2022.
The site is located about one hour’s journey east of Seoul and within a two-hour drive time of nearly 24 million people.
Merlin has agreed a partnership with the Gangwon provincial government to build the park, incorporating a Legoland-themed hotel.
The theme park will employ 1,600 people and is expected to provide an economic boost to the city of Chuncheon and the surrounding region.
Merlin will invest £148 million into the development of the resort, which it will fully own and operate.
The remaining funding of £56 million will come from LL Developments, the investment arm of Gangwon Province.
Funds for additional infrastructure adjacent to the resort will be provided by national, regional and local governments.
The site Merlin’s tenth Legoland Park, following an opening in New York in 2020.
Merlin is also in advanced discussions with third parties about a number of sites for Legoland parks in China.
The company also sees opportunity for 20 Legolands around the world, over time.
CEO Nick Varney said: “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.
“We know Koreans love theme parks and love Lego, and together with the Gangwon authorities, we have already established an attractive and well-connected site in Chuncheon.
“We look forward to accelerating progress with our partners who have contributed significantly with funding and infrastructural support, and to welcoming our first guests to Legoland Korea Resort.
“We remain excited about the potential of Legoland parks, the roll out of which is a strategic growth driver for Merlin, and we continue to look at opportunities for further sites around the world.”
Merlin also operates a Sea Life Centre in Busan, South Korea.