Simon J Hwang (pictured right), USKOR vice-chairman, stated at a signing ceremony in Seoul on May 22: “It has been my long time dream to establish a Universal Studios resort in Korea, and the EOA is an important step toward the fulfilment of that dream.”

Executives at UPR, which recently announced plans for a Universal City resort in Dubai, reckon Korea also has the right ingredients for a Universal-branded park. “Korea has grown into an attractive market in many necessary and critical aspects for a theme park and resort development in terms of income, population, consumer interest and growth of the entertainment industry,” says Thomas L Williams (pictured left), the company’s chairman and CEO.

UPR has indicated that it will support the efforts of USKOR to secure a site location and financial partners in a timely manner, which could result in a Universal Studios Korea theme park and resort opening by 2012.

Larger than the existing Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Studios Japan, the project is expected to be a comprehensive park resort as at Universal Orlando in Florida, with add-ons including hotels and a CityWalk entertainment/dining/retail destibation. An exhibition/convention centre may also be included.

“Korea has ideal conditions for a global theme park like Universal Studios,” adds Williams, “UPR is confident that Universal Studios Korea could bring many tangible and intangible benefits to the people of Korea.”

USKOR has a certain amount of pedigree in the region it comes to developing such attractions. The company’s president, Frank P Stanek, is 40-year veteran in the entertainment and theme park industry and has held top leadership positions in the development, planning and construction of some of the world’s top leisure destinations, including Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

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