Daejeon’s Oworld Set for Major Revamp by 2031: What to Expect from the New Attractions?
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[Herald Economy — Reporter Chae Sang-woo] The wolf known as Neukgu, who escaped and later returned to widespread public affection, is drawing attention as a potential official mascot for the city of Daejeon.
On the 20th, Mayor Lee Jang-woo instructed staff at a weekly work meeting to study adding Neukgu as a new member of Daejeon’s signature character group, the “Kkumssi Family.”
Neukgu’s popularity has surged. Daejeon bakery Harehare began selling a commemorative “Neukgu bread” to celebrate his safe return. On the second day after its launch, roughly 50 loaves produced at the Doan branch sold out quickly in the morning. Interest has spiked among customers who arrived to find the bread gone and among callers seeking information. Since April 17, LG Electronics’ Best Shop flagship in Daejeon has updated the message on its large electronic billboard from “Neukgu, come back” to “Neukgu, thank you for coming back.”
O-World, currently closed for maintenance, expects large crowds when it reopens because of the renewed interest in Neukgu.
A Daejeon Urban Corporation official that manages O-World said, “We will inspect the holes throughout the wolf safari enclosure, carry out necessary repairs, and confirm there are no safety issues before reopening.” The official added, “We aim to reopen before the Golden Week holidays in early May.”
Daejeon city plans to transform O-World into the largest theme park in the central region. The city said it will invest KRW 330 billion (about $247.5 million) by 2031 to add new attractions and expand the safari, funding the project through measures such as issuing municipal corporation bonds.
Neukgu is currently isolated in O-World’s animal hospital and is recovering on ground beef and ground chicken.
O-World staff will monitor him for tick-borne illnesses and other infections following his contact with various animals. If no issues are detected during the maximum 10-day viral incubation period, they plan to reunite him with his pack inside the wolf safari.
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