Magictopia, Korea
The MAGIC TOPIA adventure contains five exciting components or zones. Lobby, where first-time visitors are introduced to the world of Magic; the Harry Potter Tribute, where the non-stop action of magic comes to life; the Interactive Experience, where MAGIC TOPIA visitor can try their hands at the latest interactive arcade games; and the laboratory where wizards and witches can grab some cool refreshments or purchase the latest merchandise and collectibles from the mysteries retail shop.
Concept Design
NEO Entertainment Group was engaged by RAON Park to design and develop an indoor attraction, adapting a concept originally created for a client on Jeju Island. The initial concept envisioned a Harry Potter-themed experience, incorporating a wax museum, a walkthrough attraction, a coffee shop, an arcade gaming area, and a retail space. NEO was tasked with overseeing a multidisciplinary team of designers, artists, fabricators, technical personnel, and contractors, led by a project manager.
Design Development
The unavailability of NEO’s U.S.-based design and technical staff necessitated significant adjustments. The project lead assumed responsibilities as art director, technical director, interior designer, and installation supervisor, supported by an English-speaking Korean graduate with no industry experience. Despite these constraints, a 3D presentation of the attraction was completed in just over three weeks with the assistance of a hired 3D artist, earning client approval and enabling progression to the design development and schematic design phases.
Fabrication/Construction
With three months until the soft opening, NEO developed design and schematic packages for bid packages covering show elements, interior construction, sound, and lighting to complete the attraction, using a 3D video as a guide while the project lead created construction drawings and sourced interior set pieces to match the envisioned design. The first phase focused on opening the wax museum, retail store, coffee shop, and arcade gaming area, but a government ban on Chinese imports halted delivery of arcade units after U.S. suppliers closed, prompting NEO to adapt by introducing a pizza restaurant next to the coffee shop and replacing the arcade with a live magic show to preserve the attraction’s appeal.
Installation/Opening
Despite the challenges of a pandemic lockdown, a compressed timeline, and budget cuts, NEO successfully delivered the first phase, opening the wax museum, retail store, coffee shop, and pizza restaurant on schedule. The attraction operated successfully for the initial weeks, setting the stage for phase two planning. Unfortunately, a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility led to a government-mandated shutdown, halting operations and indefinitely postponing the second phase. Despite these setbacks, NEO Entertainment Group demonstrated resilience and adaptability, delivering a high-quality partial attraction under extraordinary circumstances. The project remains on hold pending resolution of the health crisis and further client directives.
