[468 Trip] Invitation to the Land of Happiness and Excitement

   After enduring the cold winter months, life in Korea has likely settled into a new routine, with many places visited and perhaps new friends made in this exciting environment. As the hot summer approaches, the spring season offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather and engage in outdoor activities with friends. In this article, The Dongguk Post introduces three theme parks in Korea where you can have fun and create special memories. 

The magic adventure, Lotte World

   Lotte World located in Jamsil, Seoul, is just a short subway ride from school. Before entering, make sure to bring a valid foreigner registration card, so that discounts similar to those for locals can be received. This shopping mall complex combines various aspects of Korean culture, offering experiences ranging from shopping and movies to ice skating. Lotte World makes excellent use of its space, offering both indoor and outdoor areas. If visiting on the weekend, large crowds are to be expected; thus it is better to visit on weekdays. For popular attractions, it may be necessary to wait in line for two to three hours, which can be exhausting. If waiting for a long time is difficult, an additional fee can be paid to purchase a Magic Pass, which allows access to rides with a shorter waiting line. The area in front of the carousel has become a popular photo spot, making it an ideal location for souvenir photos. After the visit, enjoying a leisurely stroll around nearby Seokchon Lake or shopping at Lotte Tower, where pop-up stores and unique experiences can be explored, is a great way to continue the fun.

The land of fantasy, Everland

   Everland located in Yongin is the largest theme park in Korea. Though it may seem far from Seoul or Dongguk University, Everland is easily accessible by bus from Gangnam Station or nearby areas. While Lotte World combines various cultural centers in Seoul, Everland spans a much larger area with several distinct theme parks. Unlike Lotte World, where the time spent on attractions is relatively short, Everland offers longer experiences. One of the most thrilling rides at Everland is the T-Express, the fastest roller coasters in Korea, and it is especially popular among thrill-seekers. In addition to thrilling rides, Everland is home to various wild animals, including pandas like Fu Bao, who gained much attention in Korea before returning to China. Many visitors line up to see the pandas or take a safari coach tour, which lets visitors see wild animals up close. Reservations are required for this tour. Everland is also next to Caribbean Bay, a water park, and the Korean Folk Village. The theme park offers a package deal for both attractions. If time allows, spending a couple of days visiting both places are recommended.

Thrilling adventure, Gyeongju World

   Gyeongju World has been a beloved destination for many tourists, even though it is far from Seoul. Located within the Bomun Tourist Complex, the park provides easy access to Gyeongju city and nearby famous attractions such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, making it an excellent stop on a trip to Gyeongju. During the summer, the water park is also a popular destination, offering various water play facilities such as wave pools and water slides. Some of the main attractions at Gyeongju World include Draken, Crack, and Phaethon, which are thrilling rides perfect for adrenaline junkies. The main attractions can be checked out on YouTube for a better idea of what to expect. While Lotte World and Everland can get crowded, Gyeongju World tends to be more relaxed, allowing visitors to enjoy the attractions at a comfortable pace. 

   Amusement parks have a magical way of transporting visitors back to childhood, filled with joy and wonder. Many amusement parks offer school uniform rental services, providing a nostalgic touch to the visit. Renting uniforms near the entrance gives you a chance to take fun photos with friends and create lasting memories. While places like Lotte World and Everland can become crowded as the weather warms up, making it harder to fully enjoy the attractions. Still, spending time at an amusement park with new friends creates unique memories and experiences. Before the hot summer arrives and outdoor activities become more challenging, now is the perfect time to enjoy the parks. The Dongguk Post hopes that a visit to amusement parks in Korea will result in wonderful memories with friends.