Yeoju-based theme park to mix Christmas culture with its European-style layout
Ludensia, a European-style theme park covering about 70,000 square meters in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, signed a partnership agreement with Finland's Santa Claus Foundation in hopes of securing a role as a Christmas attraction.
The two bodies held an event in celebration of their partnership on Saturday, according to industry sources. Attendees included Finnish Ambassador to Korea Jyri Jarviaho, Finland Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Korea Chairman Heikki Ranta and Yeoju Mayor Lee Chung-woo.
“The message of love, sharing and peace embodied by Santa Claus will become a beautiful bridge connecting the hearts of the two countries and deepen our friendship,” Jarviaho said.
Under the partnership, Finland's traditional Christmas culture is expected to be incorporated into Ludensia's European-style infrastructure. The aim is to lift winter tourism demand and stimulate the local economy.
The ceremony, starting with Ludensia CEO Park Ki-young's welcoming remarks, included speeches by key guests, a presentation of the partnership's vision and an official signing.
Various performances and events followed the ceremony to create a Christmas atmosphere. These included a parade by the Queens Marching Band, a carol performance by musical actor Gu Si-hu, an artificial snowfall event called “Snow Time,” a large Christmas tree lighting ceremony and fireworks.
Through the partnership, Ludensia plans to develop hands-on tourism experiences and specialized tourism products drawing on the symbolism of Finland's Santa culture. It also plans to strengthen international promotional activities to attract overseas visitors.
Ludensia's origin dates back more than a decade. Drawing on his experience with educational play brand Gymboree and the Magformers business, Park embarked on a new venture to create a European-style theme park in Korea.
Built on about 66,000 square meters around Yangjasan in Yeoju, Ludensia aims to be more than an amusement facility, offering a cultural space where visitors of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy culture, art and hands-on activities.
“By bringing together Finland's authentic Santa culture and Ludensia's distinctive European-style spaces, we are introducing unique winter tourism offerings,” a Ludensia official said. “We will develop it into a Christmas cultural tourism hub representing not only Yeoju, but Korea.”
shwang9@heraldcorp.com
