UK-based visitor attraction operator Merlin Entertainments has revealed that it is looking to the Asia Pacific region for the expansion of its Legoland theme park portfolio.

A series of potential sites have been earmarked for further investigation, while the group has confirmed that it has reached principal agreements for a new park in South Korea. Legoland theme parks have been placed at the heart of Merlin's strategic growth plans, with a fifth such attraction due to open in Florida, US, next month.

A sixth Legoland park is also under construction in Singapore and is to open next October (2012), with Merlin seeing the Asia Pacific region as the most opportune for expansion. John Jakobsen, managing director of Legoland parks at Merlin, said: "We are very excited to have reached this agreement in Korea, which illustrates the strength of the Legoland brand, and of Merlin's business model across the globe.

"The Asia Pacific region provides a great opportunity for Merlin's continued development across our brands, but particularly Legoland." Image: Stefan Scheer