Gwangju Family Land Stumbles at First Step in Search for New Operator

Bidding Fails as Only One Company Participates in Management Tender
Visitor Numbers Decline Since 1991 Opening; Re-bidding Open Until June 12

Family Land, the only theme park in Gwangju, which opened in 1991, failed to find a new operator in its first open bidding. Once attracting more than 1.3 million annual visitors, Family Land has been seeking a new contractor for delegated management amid aging facilities and declining visitor numbers. However, only one company participated in the latest bidding process.

According to Gwangju City on June 1, only one company submitted a bid for the selection of a management trustee for the amusement facilities (Family Land) within Uchi Neighborhood Park in Saengyong-dong, Buk-gu, during the application period from May 8 to May 29.

Under current regulations, competitive bidding requires participation from at least two companies; therefore, this round of bidding was declared void.

Children are using playground facilities at Family Land inside Uchi Park in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Provided by Gwangju Family Land

Gwangju City will reopen the call for applications from June 1 to June 12. If no additional companies participate in the re-bidding, the city will proceed with a private contract procedure that includes the company from the first round.

The entrusted assets include land, buildings, and some amusement facilities within Uchi Park. This consists of 21 parcels of land totaling 149,758 square meters, and 40 buildings totaling 11,123 square meters. The package also includes 12 units across 10 types of amusement rides, such as Blue Dragon Express, Spinning Boat, and Family Train.

The planned annual management fee is approximately 524.8 million won. Bidders must submit price proposals at or above the planned price.

The contract period is three years, from July 2026 to June 2029. It may be renewed once for up to five additional years. If private investment is pursued during the contract period, the term may be adjusted through consultation with the trustee.

The contract with the current operator ends on June 30, 2026.

Since its opening in 1991, Family Land has operated as Gwangju's representative amusement park. However, the number of annual visitors has dropped from around 1.3 million a decade ago to approximately 300,000 today.

Gwangju City has been seeking private investment and other measures to revitalize Uchi Park, but has faced difficulties due to a lack of business viability.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.