Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is reportedly in early negotiations with the South Korean capital, Seoul, to open a theme park near the city.

The theme park operator is believed to be in talks with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

There have been persistent rumours that Disney was seeking to expand in Asia since the September launch of Hong Kong Disneyland.

A Disney spokesperson confirmed that Korea would be a “potentially attractive market” for the group and said: “We are constantly evaluating strategic markets around the world – including other parts of Asia – to grow our parks and resorts business.”

Disney chair George Mitchell also recently said that the company will eventually build another theme park in Hong Kong adjacent to the newly opened Lantau Island attraction. Details: www.disneyworld.co.uk