The Ultimate Guide to Korea's Most Exciting Amusement Parks: Everland, Lotte World, Seoulland, and Legoland
- Irina Radu
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Have you ever felt the thrill of a carousel ride in an amusement park? The joy and adrenaline pulsating from your body! Do you like going on a fun date with your partner? Or do you prefer creating crazy memories with your best friends, daring each other to try different rides? Or maybe giving your kids the time of their lives! Try the vibrant and various amusement parks in Korea! If you'd like to know more, please fasten your seatbelt and continue reading!
Korea is home to some of the most exciting and innovative amusement parks in Asia, drawing millions of visitors annually. From the sprawling landscapes of Everland, the largest theme park in the country covering over 1,200 acres, to the indoor marvel that is Lotte World, boasting over 40 rides within the world's largest indoor theme park, Korea offers a diverse range of entertainment options for all ages. With attractions that blend traditional Korean culture with modern thrill rides and cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality, these parks provide unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, or cultural themes, Korea's amusement parks promise fun and adventure year-round.
Exploring Everland’s Thrilling Rides and Adventures
Since its opening in 1976, Everland has remained one of Korea’s top entertainment destinations. The park is more than 1,100 acres, and it boasts a wide array of exhilarating rides, including Korea’s first all-wooden roller coaster, which also ranks among the fastest rides on the globe. Animal enthusiasts will appreciate the Lost Safari adventure, where they can experience the world’s first specialized convertible amphibious vehicle, allowing close encounters with animals roaming freely. To avoid queues, it's recommended to purchase your tickets online beforehand. For a more festive experience, consider visiting during holidays when special themed events are held, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Everland is offering a wide array of thrilling rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. Beyond the rides, guests can explore its renowned zoo, stroll through stunning themed gardens, enjoy vibrant parades both day and night, and watch spectacular multimedia fireworks displays every evening. Throughout the year, seasonal festivals add extra excitement, making every visit to Everland a memorable adventure.
Everland is divided into five distinct themed zones: Zootopia, American Adventure, European Adventure, Magic Land, and Global Fair. Each zone offers a range of shops, restaurants, and amenities, delivering a comprehensive experience that goes beyond just the attractions. The park includes numerous rides and attractions designed to deliver endless fun and excitement. Among these, the most popular and typically busiest include T-Express, Lost World, Safari World, Amazon Express, Panda World, and Snow Buster (available only in winter).
To reach Everland from Gangnam Station, you have two convenient options. If you are on Subway Line 2, take Exit 10 and enjoy a pleasant 4-minute walk straight ahead for about 286 meters, passing landmarks like the Samsung Store, Kakao Friends Store, and the FIVE GUYS outlet. Alternatively, from Exit 4 or 5, make a U-turn upon exiting, cross the street behind the station to reach the bus stop located in the middle of the road—this is especially closer if you’re coming from the Sinbundang Line. From there, catch Bus #5002A or #5002B for approximately 35 minutes until you arrive at Everland Bus Terminal. Once you disembark, it’s a short 5-minute walk to the entrance, and you can easily follow other passengers heading there. When returning to Seoul, simply take the same bus back from Everland Bus Terminal to Gangnam Station, or use Kakao Map to track your route.
Everland Korea Theme Park generally opens from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 9 PM on weekends and holidays. During peak seasons such as summer, operating hours may be extended until 1 AM or later, whereas in winter, the park might close earlier, around 6 PM. Special events and holidays can also influence the park's hours, so it's advisable to check Everland’s official website or app for the latest updates. Typically, weekdays are less crowded, providing a more relaxed visit compared to the busy weekends.
If you're planning to enjoy your time at Everland Korea, all ticket options and prices are conveniently available on Traveloka. Whether you need one-way tickets, round-trip options, or special bundles, everything is just a click away. Here are some of the ticket choices you can find on Traveloka:
Iconic Rides and Captivating Shows at Lotte World Adventure
Lotte World is a vibrant entertainment complex that offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors of all ages. It features the indoor Lotte World Adventure theme park, the outdoor Magic Island, an ice skating rink, a shopping mall, and a traditional Korean folk museum. With so much to see and do, it attracts large crowds, especially on weekends. Thrill-seekers can enjoy rides like the bungee drop, Gyro swing, Atlantis, Comet Express, and the Flume ride. As night falls, the park transforms with an electrifying multimedia night parade crafted by the Cirque du Soleil team. To make the most of your visit, you can skip lines with premium passes and use the official app to check show timings and attraction wait times conveniently on your phone.
The complex is divided into two main sections: Lotte World Adventure, an indoor theme park with a global-inspired design, and Magic Island, an outdoor park located next to Seokchonhosu Lake.
The park features thrilling rides such as Atlantis Adventure, a high-speed roller coaster that offers adrenaline-pumping drops and turns, and the French Revolution, a classic wooden roller coaster that combines nostalgia with excitement. For those seeking family-friendly fun, attractions like Pharaoh’s Fury, the Camelot Carousel, and the Adventure of the Kingdom provide engaging experiences suitable for children and parents alike. In addition, the park boasts charming themed areas like the Folk Museum, where visitors can explore Korean culture and history, and Magic Island, an outdoor section filled with spectacular rides such as the Giant Loop and the Gyro Spin. The lively parades, captivating shows like the Magic Castle Spectacle, and nighttime light displays add to the vibrant atmosphere, making Lotte World Adventure a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Lotte World Adventure boasts themed districts representing different countries, complete with diverse facilities and souvenir shops. Visitors can enjoy entertaining parades, numerous films, laser shows, and a wide range of international cuisines all year round. It holds the distinction of being the largest indoor amusement park in the world, offering endless fun for all ages.
This amusement park is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with nighttime admission available from 4:00 PM onwards.
The full-day ticket costs 59,000 won for adults, 52,000 won for teenagers aged 13-18, and 46,000 won for children aged 3-12 and seniors over 64; babies under 3 can enter for free.
After 4:00 PM, ticket prices are reduced to 47,000 won for adults, 41,000 won for teenagers, and 35,000 won for children and seniors, with babies still free.
The park is easily accessible via Jamsil Station (Line 2/8, Exit 4), which is directly connected to Lotte World.
A Family Paradise Awaits at Seoulland
Seoulland, the first theme park in Korea, is located at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain and offers over 50 rides and seasonal attractions, providing thrill and excitement for visitors of all ages. Notable attractions include Luna Land and Jurassic Land, which are especially popular. The park's pride lies in its diverse seasonal festivals and the spectacular Laser Show held in the evenings. Easily accessible from downtown Seoul and part of the larger Seoul Grand Park complex, Seoulland is a popular destination with nearby attractions and seasonal festivals such as the Tulip Festival (April–May), Starlight Rose Festival (July–August), Chrysanthemum Festival (September–October), and Snow Light Festival (December–February).The park’s operating hours vary by season, so visitors are advised to check the website. Admission prices range from 42,000 to 49,000 won, depending on the time of day and age, with options for unlimited rides included. For more information, visitors can contact the 1330 Travel Hotline or visit the official website at www.seoulland.co.kr.
To find the parking lot at Seoulland, you should head towards the east gate parking lot, which is conveniently located for visitors. From the entrance to Seoulland and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, follow the road along the entrance road, keeping an eye out for clear signage directing you to the east gate parking area. The parking lot is situated near to provide easy access to the park, making it a convenient choice for visitors arriving by car. Be sure to follow the road along the entrance to Seoulland and the museum to reach the parking lot efficiently and enjoy a smooth start to your day at the theme park.
The walk from the subway station exit to the park’s entrance is approximately 20 minutes, which may be somewhat lengthy for visitors. Alternatively, guests can choose the shuttle service, known as the elephant ride, available for KRW 1,500 per passenger aged above 3, which provides direct transportation to the entrance.
During a weekday visit, the park proved to be an enjoyable destination for young children approximately 100 centimeters in height. Unfortunately, inclement weather affected our experience, as it rained during our visit. Lacking umbrellas or ponchos, unlike many local visitors who were well-prepared, we sought shelter in the indoor children’s playground, which operates for 40 minutes every hour. Additionally, ordering food within the park posed some challenges due to language barriers; staff members did not speak English, and the automated ordering kiosks did not display options in English. For non-Korean speakers, purchasing snacks from the food carts may be a more convenient alternative, as they typically offer easier ordering processes.
From Miniature Landmarks to Thrilling Rides, LEGOLAND Has It All
Next in line is Legoland amusement park. Situated on Hajung Island in the heart of Uiam Lake in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the theme park is notably the first Legoland resort to be established on an island. It had its grand opening on May 5, 2022, in celebration of Children’s Day. LEGOLAND Korea Resort has become the tenth Legoland location worldwide. The park spans an expansive area of 280,000 square meters, earning it the distinction of being Asia’s largest Legoland theme park and the second-largest worldwide, with only Legoland New York surpassing its size.
LEGOLAND Korea Resort provides an authentic LEGO experience with more than 40 rides, shows, and attractions spanning seven themed areas. These zones are Pirate Shores, Bricktopia, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, LEGO Ninjago World, Brick Street, and Miniland.
Visitors to LEGOLAND can enjoy a diverse array of activities that cater to all ages, from exploring over 40 rides and attractions across themed zones such as Pirate Shores, Bricktopia, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, LEGO Ninjago World, Brick Street, and Miniland. The park offers engaging LEGO building workshops, allowing guests to craft their creations, while live shows and performances featuring beloved LEGO characters provide entertainment throughout the day. Additionally, visitors can marvel at intricate LEGO replicas of famous landmarks in Miniland or cool off in water play areas during warmer months. Themed dining experiences and shops offering exclusive LEGO merchandise further enhance the visit, and seasonal events, parades, and celebrations ensure there’s always something new to discover at LEGOLAND.
The park operates roughly from 9:00 or 10:00 AM until 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 PM, with some random close dates.
It’s recommended to check the official website for the latest operating hours on your preferred visit date. Admission tickets cost ₩40,000 for both adults and children.
To get there, you can take the ITX-Cheongchun Train from Yongsan Station to Chuncheon Station, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes; ticket prices are approximately ₩9,800 with seat reservation or ₩9,300 without, and train frequency is limited to 1-2 trains per hour.
Alternatively, you can use the Seoul Subway Network, transferring to the Gyeongchun Line at any transfer station. The route takes around 2.5 hours and costs around ₩3,050. Use the Kakao Metro app for route guidance.
From Chuncheon Station, Exit 1, there is a free shuttle to LEGOLAND, departing hourly, with a 15-minute ride. Shuttle pick-up times from Chuncheon Station are at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, and 17:30, while departures from LEGOLAND are at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00, subject to change. Alternatively, a taxi from Chuncheon Station to LEGOLAND takes about 10 minutes and costs around ₩6,000. Near Exit 1, there is also a Tourist Information Center to assist visitors.
Korean amusement parks provide a vibrant and diverse entertainment experience that appeals to visitors of all ages. With innovative rides, themed zones, and unique cultural attractions, these parks showcase Korea's creativity and commitment to delivering memorable adventures. Whether seeking thrilling rides, immersive storytelling, or family-friendly fun, Korea's amusement parks offer unforgettable moments and a glimpse into the country's dynamic entertainment landscape.
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