When coming to Korea, there are all sorts of destinations that foreigners have in mind for visiting; Namsan Tower, the Han River, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, just to name a few. However, one destination you absolutely cannot miss is Lotte World Adventure, the premier amusement park in South Korea. Founded on July 12, 1989, Lotte World is an amusement park similar to Disneyland in the United States. Featuring fun rides, attractions, and an abundance of picturesque photo sites, it is a place for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Just recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the park for a day, and I would love to share my experiences with all of you. Starting early in the morning, my group visited Gamsung Gyobok Uniform Rentals. At Lotte World, it is common for guests to come dressed in traditional Korean high school uniforms, typically consisting of skirts for women, slacks for men, dress shirts, vests, and jackets. After selecting our outfits from a wide selection of clothes, we were ready to head to the park.
The main entrance to Lotte World is attached directly to the nearest subway station for easy access and is surrounded by dozens of themed restaurants and stores. Upon entering the park, visitors enter the “Underworld,” the area below the main park. Taking the escalator up, guests will see the many rides and attractions that Lotte World offers. Because of the park’s labyrinthine layout, a map can be extremely useful.
Starting off our adventure, my group went to go to the French Revolution roller coaster. The wait was approximately 25 minutes, and it was absolutely worth it. The ride takes visitors on multiple twists, all while staying inside the building and weaving through the park’s architecture. After this, it was time for lunch. Within the park, there is a wide selection of possible places to eat, offering typical Korean food and foreign food like pasta and burgers. During lunch, we got to watch one of the many scheduled events for the day; a mask parade full of decadent performers and illuminated floats.
After lunch, we decided to visit “Magic Island,” Lotte World’s outside section, which features even more rides and attractions like droppers, swinging chairs, and spinning teapots. Also in the outer area is perhaps Lotte World’s most popular ride, Atlantis. All throughout the day, guests flock to this ride for its thrilling twists and turns. Because of this, I suggest making this ride your first activity in the park, as later in the day, the line can be upwards of two hours long. After riding it, though, I can confidently say it is worth waiting for.
Finally, we ended the day by enjoying milk ice cream and watching the nightly closing show. The grand finale was truly stunning. With coordinated drones carrying lanterns, fireworks, and dozens of themed floats, people of all ages gathered to enjoy the sights. Within the parade, there were dozens of costumed dancers accompanying various fairytale characters, Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and a great way to end the day.
In all, whether planning a short or long visit to Korea for work, study, or just vacation, Lotte World is a destination that cannot be missed. With enough activities to fill an entire day, I encourage you to experience all that the park has to offer and create an unforgettable experience in Korea!