South Korean theme park Samsung Everland has opened a new zone called Aesop’s Village.

Themed around the stories of Aesop’s fables, the 14,000sq m (150,000sq ft) interactive and edutainment area includes rides, shops, an exhibition regarding the history of Aesop’s fables and the opportunity for children to meet the characters from the stories.

The zone is split into two areas, Town and Country.

Guests enter Aesop’s Village through the Town section, with restaurants, shops, the Wisdom Fountain and a plaza.

In the country section, they can visit Grandpa Aesop’s house and experience life in a small European town in the 17th century.

The attractions include the Lion and the Mouse mini drop tower, the Ant and the Grasshopper ball house and the Tortoise and the Hare racing coaster.

Development work on the new zone began in June 2002 with initial concept planning by Canada-based company Forrec.

Chang Haing Cho, executive vice president of Everland Resort Division, said the village was dedicated to Everland’s core customers, families and children.

The Aesop’s Village zone was opened ahead of Samsung Everland’s 30th anniversary in 2006.

The Everland park, located just south of Seoul, also includes a safari zoo, a winter park experience, an indoor and outdoor waterpark and a multimedia show. Details: www.everland.com