Legoland Korea Investment Plans Big Investments for Future Growth

Intermediate | July 31, 2025

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A Fresh Start for Legoland Korea Investment

Overcoming Early Challenges

Legoland Korea investment began with the park opening its doors on May 5, 2022, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, as the world’s tenth Legoland park. In its first year, it welcomed one million visitors, which was lower than the projected two million annual visitors. The park faced challenges, including its distance from Seoul, high admission and parking fees, and controversy over its construction on an ancient archaeological site. Despite these hurdles, the resort is actively working towards a more successful future.

Strategic New Investments

Legoland Korea investment is expected to see a significant turnaround thanks to new funding and events. Its parent company, Merlin Entertainments, plans to invest approximately 100 billion won, or about $76 million, over the next five years. This investment aims to enhance the visitor experience with more rides, new entertainment programs, and expanded hotel capacity.

Expanding Experiences and Visitor Appeal

Exciting New Attractions

Legoland Korea investment includes continuously introducing seasonal content to keep experiences fresh. A major development is a Ninjago-themed attraction, a 20 billion won ($14.8 million) investment slated to open in the first half of 2025. The park has also extended night program hours from April to October and launched a season pass in 2023. They are even planning a new water park to open by July.

Strong Financial Outlook

Despite early struggles and a bond crisis involving the Gangwon Jungdo Development Corp., Legoland Korea and Merlin Entertainments maintain they are financially sound. They remain committed to ongoing investments, aiming to make the park a premier destination in Korea.

Vocabulary

Anticipating (verb): Expecting or predicting something.
Example: “Legoland Korea is anticipating a major turnaround with its new investments.”
Turnaround (noun): A sudden or unexpected change from a bad situation to a good one.
Example: “The company hopes for a turnaround after experiencing financial difficulties.”
Sourced (verb): Obtained from a particular source.
Example: “The investment funds were sourced directly from the parent company.”
Enhance (verb): To improve the quality, value, or extent of something.
Example: “New rides will enhance the visitor experience at the theme park.”
Projected (adjective): Estimated or predicted for the future.
Example: “The park welcomed fewer visitors than the projected two million.”
Slated (verb): Scheduled to happen at a particular time or date.
Example: “The new attraction is slated to open in the first half of next year.”
Maintain (verb): To state something strongly to be true.
Example: “The company maintains that it is financially sound despite the challenges.”
Sound (adjective): Financially healthy and stable; not likely to fail.
Example: “Despite rumors, the company remains sound.”
Appeal (noun): The quality of being attractive or interesting.
Example: “The new attractions will increase the park’s appeal to families.”
Hurdles (noun): Difficulties or problems that you have to overcome.
Example: “The company overcame many hurdles in its first year.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What were some of the initial problems Legoland Korea faced after it opened?
How much money is Merlin Entertainments planning to invest in Legoland Korea, and over what period?
What specific new attraction is coming in the first half of 2025, and how much money is being invested in it?
How does Legoland Korea plan to keep its content fresh and attract repeat visitors?
Despite early issues, why do Legoland Korea and Merlin Entertainments believe they are financially stable?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What do you think is the most important factor for a theme park’s long-term success?
Do you enjoy visiting theme parks? Why or why not?
What kind of new attractions would make you want to visit a theme park more often?
How important is the location of a theme park when you are planning a visit?
What are some ways theme parks can make sure visitors have a great experience?

Related Idiom

Turn the corner
Meaning: To pass the worst point of a difficult period and begin to improve.
Example: “After a challenging first year, Legoland Korea hopes to turn the corner with these new investments.”

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This article was inspired by: Yonhap News Agency, April 11, 2025.