LEGOLAND Korea Resort has made history as the first theme park in Korea to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This accolade underscores the resort’s dedication to inclusivity, especially for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. The CAC certification recognizes organizations that have trained their staff and met specific criteria to support neurodiverse guests.
Lee Soon-gyu, the Divisional Director at LEGOLAND Korea Resort, highlighted the resort’s commitment to ensuring enjoyable experiences for all children, including those with disabilities, through initiatives like Merlin Magic Wand. He stressed the ongoing effort to maintain CAC certification and enhance the park experience for visitors with autism.
IBCCES conducted an onsite evaluation at the resort as part of the certification process, offering recommendations and creating sensory guides to help guests prepare for the sensory aspects of different attractions, such as lighting, sound levels, and odors.
Families with autistic members often face challenges at recreational venues due to untrained staff and overwhelming environments. IBCCES addresses these issues by providing specialized training and certification for entertainment and hospitality venues, covering topics like autism awareness, communication strategies, and guest experience enhancement.
Opened on May 5, 2022, LEGOLAND Korea Resort is the first Legoland situated on an island and the second-largest in Asia, covering 280,000 square meters. In addition to thrilling rides and attractions, it prioritizes inclusivity with features like Minifigure trading and the Hero Pass program, which assists visitors who struggle with long waits.
Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman of IBCCES, expressed excitement about LEGOLAND Korea Resort becoming the first Certified Autism Center™ theme park in Korea, emphasizing LEGOLAND’s commitment to accessibility. With all North American locations already certified, the addition of LEGOLAND Korea signifies a significant milestone for both the resort and the broader theme park industry in Asia.
For over twenty years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for professionals worldwide. It remains the premier global credentialing organization offering comprehensive resources and ongoing support to travel and entertainment venues to better serve autistic or sensory-sensitive guests.
IBCCES also manages AutismTravel.com, a free online resource assisting families in finding travel destinations meeting CAC standards, while providing a platform for community connection and additional resources. Each listed destination has met the rigorous criteria for the Certified Autism Center™ designation.
