Major Theme Parks in Korea
Korea’s theme parks are large-scale leisure destinations equipped with extensive facilities and diverse attractions. They serve as popular tourist attractions where visitors of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy a wide range of entertainment experiences.
Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Everland originated as Yongin Farmland, opened by the Samsung Group in 1976, and was renamed Everland in 1996. It has since developed into the largest resort-style theme park in Korea. The park features a combination of ride-centered attraction zones, animal experience areas such as Safari World and Lost Valley, and seasonal flower festivals and parades. Its signature attraction, the wooden roller coaster T Express, is known for its maximum drop angle of 77 degrees. The zoo area, Zootopia, was one of the first zoos in Asia to receive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), together with Seoul Grand Park. Seasonal programs are also held throughout the year, including a spring tulip festival, summer water festival, autumn Halloween celebration, and winter illumination festival.
Lotte World Adventure, located in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, opened in 1989 as Korea’s first large-scale indoor theme park. It consists of the indoor Adventure zone and the outdoor Magic Island situated on Seokchon Lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the park regardless of weather conditions. In addition to various rides, parades, and performances, the park also includes a Folk Museum that introduces Korean history and folk culture. Nearby shopping malls, hotels, and an ice rink are connected to the complex, forming a comprehensive urban leisure destination.
Seoul Land, located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, opened in conjunction with the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Taking advantage of its naturally scenic setting, the park operates more than 50 rides along with seasonal facilities. Situated near Cheonggyesan Mountain and adjacent to Seoul Grand Park’s zoo and botanical garden, as well as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, it serves as a combined leisure and cultural destination where visitors can experience nature, culture, and amusement facilities in one area.
