
A NEW Paramount Pictures theme park is set to a ‘world-first’ theme park – years after a similar one in the UK was scrapped.
The new attraction will open near Seoul in South Korea.
The theme park, which will be known as Hwaseong International Theme Park, could feature Nickelodeon, Top Gun and Star Trek-themed rides.
Much of the concept art looks similar to the proposed London Resort, which was due to open in Kent in the UK but was officially cancelled last year.
One image shows a giant mountain, just like that of Paramount‘s logo, with an arch of stars in front of it.
Another image shows some of the potential rides that could be at the park, such as an inverted rollercoaster and hot air balloon-themed ride.
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There is also a sprawling entry plaza that leads visitors under a glass roof between buildings to Paramount’s mountain.
London Paramount Resort in the UK would have been Paramount Pictures’ first ever theme park and was due to open in 2019.
The park was set to be three times bigger than any other UK theme park, and it would’ve featured six lands, including a water park, 3,500 hotel rooms and 50 rides.
However, the movie giant dropped out of the agreement and plans were officially cancelled in 2024.
If this hadn’t have happened, Universal’s plans to build a theme park in the UK may not have been approved.
The park in South Korea is now set to become the movie giant’s first theme park, with an estimated cost of around £5billion.
The first phase of the theme park is expected to open in 2030, with the entire attraction set to be fully complete by 2035.
Construction is set to start in the second half of 2026.
Initial plans for a Paramount theme park in South Korea were revealed back in 2008, with an opening date set for 2011.
Several push backs have occurred over the years due to a number of reasons including the developer, Mohegan, having financial difficulties.
The new theme park will be located within a new development area known as Star Bay City, which is being developed by the Shinsegae Group and Paramount Global.
Alongside the theme park, the ‘entertainment city’ is set to feature a golf course, art museum, sports park, water park, accommodation, shops and apartments.
Star Bay City expects to attract around 30million visitors each year.
Marie Marks, head of Paramount Theme Park Entertainment, said: “Hwaseong International Theme Park is in an excellent location that is easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors.
“With its vast site and nearby tourist resources, it is the optimal place to establish a theme park.
“We will create a world-renowned theme park in collaboration with Shinsegae.”
Lim Young-rok, president of Shinsegae Group, said: “The theme park will be more than just an amusement park.
“It will offer a space where visitors can experience characters and stories from their imaginations in real life, providing a unique blend of fun, inspiration and relaxation for people of all ages.
“We will introduce a new theme park that has never existed before, in collaboration with Paramount, which holds a wide range of entertainment content that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.”
The London Resort timeline
October 2012 – The London Resort is announced as London Paramount Entertainment Resort, to open in 2019
April 2013 – Discussion over development after discovery of a rare species of spider
May 2014 – London Paramount Entertainment Resort granted Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project status
December 2014 – Partnership with BBC Worldwide announced
March 2015 – Partnership with Aardman Animation and BFI announced
September 2015 – Opening date pushed back to 2021
November 2016 – Waterpark plans scrapped, opening date pushed to 2022
June 2017 – Paramount pulls out, with park renamed as The London Resort
September 2017 – Opening date pushed back to 2023, with estimated costs rising to £3.5billion
November 2018 – Opening date pushed back to 2024
April 2019 – Partnership with ITV Studios announced.
November 2021 – Natural England designates the area as a SSSI for nationally important invertebrates, breeding birds, plants and geology
March 2022 – Resort application is withdrawn
March 2023 – London Resort Company Holdings goes into administration
June 2024 – Swanscombe Development LLP, the land for The London Resort, is listed for sale
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