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| Members of a civic group chant at a press conference near Legoland Korea Resort in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Monday, calling for the suspension of the theme park's opening. Yonhap |
Merlin Entertainments accused of failing to preserve cultural assets
By Park Jae-hyuk
Legoland Korea Resort and its British operator, Merlin Entertainments, are facing growing uncertainties as to whether it will successfully open the Lego-themed amusement park in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on May 5, Children's Day, according to critics, Tuesday.
Earlier this week, a civic group comprised of Chuncheon residents, artists and politicians threatened to take every possible measure to prevent the official opening of the world's 10th Legoland here.
They claimed that it is illegal to open the theme park unless facilities are built to preserve ancient artifacts found in 2014 on the Legoland site, located on Hajung Island in the Bukhan River.
Over the past eight years, more than 40 dolmens were left virtually unattended inside greenhouses near the theme park's site, as Gangwon Province had been postponing the construction of a museum, citing the lack of budget.
"The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) has obviously overlooked illegalities and neglected its duties," the civic group said in a press conference, Monday, before reporting the CHA administrator to the Chuncheon Police Station.
Justice Party floor leader Bae Jin-gyo also held a press conference at the National Assembly, Tuesday, to call for better preservation of the prehistoric remains.
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| Legoland Korea Divisional Director Phil Royle |
In several interviews with local news outlets, Royle emphasized that his company complied with the CHA's guidelines.
The dispute about preserving cultural assets, however, is not the only controversy surrounding Legoland.
On Monday's pre-opening of the resort, one of its roller coasters stopped abruptly, with more than 40 thrill seekers aboard.
Although none of them were injured and its operation resumed after a 90-minute safety check, the accident caused concerns among visitors about its rides and attractions, most of which are aimed at children.
In addition, some consumers leveled criticism at the theme park's refunds and cancellation policy, which specifies that payment cancellation requests can only be made within 7 days of purchase.
Its refund policy is in stark contrast to those of its local competitors, such as Everland and Lotte World, which offer full refunds to customers who cancel their reservations a day in advance.
Legoland Korea claimed that its policy is in compliance with the Electronic Commerce Act, but the Fair Trade Commission has advised online ticket sellers to allow for 90 percent refunds, even after the expiration date.
"I had to make dozens of calls to cancel my reservation, as its customer center did not respond," one person complained.
Legoland is facing other obstacles such as ongoing legal disputes over its construction and operation.
In 2020, civic groups sued Gangwon Province Governor Choi Moon-soon for allegedly cutting Merlin's rent for the theme park's site through an unfair agreement, while provincial assembly members were accused of failing to inspect their agreement sufficiently.
GJC, Hyundai E&C and DL E&C are also under investigation by prosecutors and the police for allegedly burying a massive amount of waste while constructing Legoland Korea.
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