Starting in March Koreans will no longer have to travel to other countries to adore Universal Studios. Soon, Koreans will be able to hop on a train, bus or drive to Hwaseong in Gyeonggi-do to find Asia's largest theme park. According to the Ministry, "Korean consortium signed a deal to break ground in March of next year for Asia's largest theme park in Korea's Gyeonngi Province alongside U.S.-based Universal Parks & Resorts."
Universal Studios is a subsidiary of NBC Universal, is one of the six major American movie studios. Founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, It is one of the oldest American Movie studios still in continuous production. NBC Universal operates a number of theme parks based around the movies it has produced.
Korea is the fifth nation out of G20 nations to have a global theme park. There are many types of theme parks around the world, but the crème le crème are Universal Studios and Disneyland and their economic rewards are enormous. To have a global theme park is on many countries agenda, but the countries that have one are US, France, Japan, China and the one in Signapore is still under construction. Universal Studios Parks and Resorts operates in Orlando, Florida, US.
3G-City - Globalization, Green and Grace
Hwaseong is renowed for Monumental Stele for Kuksa Chingak, Bronze Bell of Paldal Gate, Hwaryong Hall and the Hwaseong fortress. At the time the fortress was built using the best of eastern and Western methods, combining mud and stone fortifications. In 1997, Hwaseong was selected as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO because of its high technical scientific distinction as an early modern military structure. As of now with Songsan Green City, Universal Studios and the possible development of a Natural History Museum will make Hwaseong high tech distinction for the 21 century.
As of now the population of Hwaseong is about 330,000 people. When they complete Songsan Green City, and Universal Studios the population is estimated to be 550,000 by 2020 and in 2025 the population is to be about 1,350,000 people.
To look to the future of Hwaseong, it has done a SWOT analysis for investing. First, is strength they have a lot of land, clean environment and to make it a transfer hub. Second, is weakness Hwaseong is a underdeveloped area and there are negatives images about the city. Third, is opportunities to develop the west coast belt, to have future potential, expand transportation and to make Hwaseong an epicenter. Fourth, is threats due to the future population increase there will be an influx of development.
This spectacular resort, named 'Universal Studios Korea', cost KRW3 trillion (US$2.67 billion). The construction of Universal Studios Korea draws on major Korean conglomerates such as Lotte Group, Posco, E&C and other local companies. Universal Studios Korea will be like no other Universal Studio park in the world. Korea's multi-resort complex will include retail outlet, golf course, theme park, water park, city walk, theme hotels, and condominiums.
In 2013, to make easier access to Universal Studios the main access road or national highway (77) will be completed. The highway will be four lanes or six lanes. Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs announced there will be transport network improvement to make easier access by subway and the line name is Sinansan. The Ministry wants to have the stops Won-si and Universal Studios finished first, due to the recent significance of Hwaseong.
Officials from the provincial government and investors signed the agreement to develop the Universal Studio theme park located 70 kilometres southwest of Seoul. The theme park will be approximately 2.97 million square metres. This theme park is three times as big as the park in Osaka and twice the size as the resort in Orlando.
Gyeonggi Governor Kim stated, "This project will eventually provide new jobs for around 10,000 people and generate indirect employment for around 100,000, and I am confident that Korea's west coast region will eventually turn into a 'gold coast." CEO Thomas Williams of Universal Parks and Resorts said, "The company chose Hwaseong because the region had 'flat land' and a 'seashore.' Director Steven Spielberg, a creative consultant to Universal Parks and Resorts, has decided to take part in the project." By creating new growth engines for employment and the development of a green city the sky is the limit for the future of Hwaseong and it will defiantly live up to its name 3G city.
