Theme parks in Korea that aren’t Lotte World or Everland
When we think of theme parks in Korea, we often immediately think of Lotte World and Everland. After all, those two theme parks are the most popular ones. Many dramas and variety shows even film at those locations.
However, aside from Lotte World and Everland, there are actually many other fun and interesting theme parks in Korea. The next time you’re looking to have a fun day out, consider visiting these 8 theme parks in Korea.
Table of Contents
1. Seoulland
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea
Built in May 1988, Seoulland was the first theme park in Korea. The theme park is located near Cheonggyesan Mountain, and it’s well-known for its seasonal festivals and laser light shows.
There are a whopping 44 rides listed on their website, so you can be assured there’s no lack of rides to choose from!
The theme park is divided into five sections with differing themes: World Plaza, Adventure Land, Fantasy Land, Tomorrow Land, and Samchulli Hill.
Image credit: Seoulland
Within World Plaza, you’d find Kids Land, an underwater-themed indoor playground.
Kids Land is specially catered to young children, but children who are younger than five must be accompanied by an adult.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
There are exciting rides available for the adventurous spirits in Adventure Land.
Some notable rides include the King Viking and Flume Ride. The King Viking is one of the most popular rides in Seoulland.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
Be ready to get wet when you go on the Flume Ride – you will be falling from a 9m waterfall.
Do note that this ride is closed in winter, and children who are under 80-110cm have to be accompanied by an adult.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
You can also prepare your young ones for future roller coaster rides with the Tikitoc Train.
It’s a cute roller coaster that is catered towards children, but those under 100-110cm tall have to ride with an adult.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
In Fantasy Land, you can ride the Big Merry-Go-Round, which is especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Grab the chance to ride the only dragon in the carousel. If you are lucky enough to snag the dragon seat, it’s said that you will be extremely lucky for the rest of your day.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
You can expect to find hardcore rides in Tomorrow Land, a futuristic themed section of Seoulland. Adrenaline-pumping rides at Tomorrow Land include the Black Hole 200 and Double Loop Coaster.
The Black Hole 2000 got its name because riding it feels like you are being sucked into a black hole at a speed of 100km/h.
Image credit: @jetcoasterotoko
The Double Loop Coaster is not for the faint-hearted. You will be speeding through loops and turning upside down at a speed of 85km/h.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
During winter, the Snow Sled at Samchulli Hill is open to all visitors.
For an additional fee of KRW5,000 (~USD4.35) for adults and KRW4,000 (~USD3.50) for children, you’ll get to sledge down snowy slopes to your heart’s content. If you have a one day pass to Seoulland, you can enter for free.
Image credit: @today_seoulland
Seoulland is particularly great for children because of the many child-friendly rides, so do consider visiting this theme park if you have kids with you.
To enter Seoulland, you will need to purchase a one day pass. There are two types of one-day passes: day-time and night-time.
A day-time pass costs KRW46,000 (~USD40) for adults, KRW43,000 (~USD37.40) for youths aged 13-18, and KRW40,000 (~USD34.75) for children aged 3-12. Infants under 36 months can enter for free.
Seoul Grand Park is near Seoulland, so you can visit both places on the same day.
Address: 181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-7PM | Sat & Sun 10AM-8PM
Telephone: 02-509-6000
Website
2. Caribbean Bay
Image credit: @witheverland
Caribbean Bay is South Korea’s first and largest water park. It’s the perfect place to visit in the summer. The water park is divided into five different zones: Sea Wave, Fortress, Wild River, Bay Slide, and Aquatic Center.
Image credit: @hwa__k
You can dive into crystal clear waters at the Diving Pool in Sea Wave, and even imagine that you are swimming in the Caribbean sea.
Image credit: @witheverland
You can also play in the waves at the Wave Pool in Sea Wave.
Do note that everyone has to don a life vest before you can enter the Wave Pool. Life vests are available for rental at KRW6,000 (~USD5.20).
Image credit: @witheverland
When you first enter a swimming pool, it usually takes several minutes to get accustomed to the coldness of the water – unless you’re fortunate enough to have a heated pool.
You can choose to get used to the water’s temperature slowly, or simply have 2.4 tons of water dumped on you at the Adventure Pool in the Fortress. That will surely help you get used to the cold in a matter of seconds.
Image credit: @witheverland
If you are looking to have a relaxing time at the Caribbean Bay, you can chill on a float and drift through the River Way at the Fortress.
Image credit: @witheverland
Swimming can be tiring, so there are “villages” in each zone, where you can find lounge chairs to laze on. However, you will need to rent the lounge chairs for approximately KRW15,000 (~US13.05).
Image credit: @witheverland
If you would rather have an intense and exciting time at Caribbean Bay, you can try the wild slides at Bay Slide.
There are three slides here: Tube Ride, Water Bobsleigh, and Mega Storm.
Mega Storm seems to be the most exciting out of the three because there’s a giant funnel slide.
Image credit: @witheverland
The Aquatic Center is the indoor part of Caribbean Bay.
There are a number of pools here, such as the Indoor River Way and Indoor Wave Pool. Those are similar to the outdoor pools, except you won’t be exposed to punishing sun rays at the Aquatic Center. You can also find the spa and saunas here.
Image credit: @witheverland
You may think that the outdoor water park would be closed in winter, but it isn’t. Caribbean Bay continues operating in winter by increasing the temperature of the water in their outdoor pools, so it feels like you are in a hot spring.
Image credit: @witheverland
If you love water parks, consider including Caribbean Bay in your itinerary.
Admission ticket prices change according to season. There are four seasons in total: Low, Middle, High, and Gold. According to the website, the High Season is between 24th August and 30th August. The dates for each season may change each year, so do check their website for the latest updates on prices.
A Day Ticket during the High Season is KRW60,000 (~USD52.15) for adults and KRW47,000 (~USD40.85) for children aged 3-12 years old. You can stay in Caribbean Bay for the entire duration of its operating hours.
For the Afternoon Ticket, you can only enter the water park at 2.30pm, and it costs KRW49,000 (~USD42.60) for adults and KRW38,000 (~USD33) for children aged 3-12 years old during the High Season.
Image credit: @witheverland
Children below the age of three can enter for free, but a form of verification is required. You can show an identification card or passport.
Try to arrive as early as you can, because Caribbean Bay may restrict entry if too many people are entering at once.
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opening hours: 9AM-6PM, Daily | Public holidays 10AM-6PM
Telephone: 82-31-320-5000
Website
3. Gyeongju World Amusement
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
Gyeongju World Amusement is a theme park in Gyeongju that has 24 rides, a water park, and a snow park.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
Those who love roller coasters have to try the Draken – it has two vertical drops at a 90° angle.
Located in Draken Valley, the Draken is suitable for thrill-seekers but not for the faint-hearted.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
The Klake, also located in Draken Valley, is a ride that swings you back and forth at an increasing speed until you are upside down. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted too.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
Similar to the Klake, the Tornado swings you back and forth, but it also spins as it swings.
You can find the Tornado in the X-Zone.
Image credit: @happysign99
After giving yourself motion sickness from going on multiple intense rides, take a break and go on a more relaxing ride while you recover.
The Seorabeol Ferris Wheel gives you a beautiful view of the amusement park and the Bomun Tourist Complex.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
At night, the Ferris wheel is lit up and looks particularly romantic, so if you’re visiting with your significant other, you know what to do.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
There are also a number of child-friendly rides, such as Suwanee’s Cloud Ride, Droll’s Wizard Train, and Glinda’s Magic Pumpkin.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
Only open in summer, California Beach is Gyeongju World Amusement’s water park.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
The water park is designed to replicate a real beach, and it has many water slides that can get your adrenaline pumping.
Image credit: @hi_gyeongju
The snow park in Gyeongju World Amusement is only open in winter, when the snow is thick enough for sledging. You can slide down the snowy slopes on an inflated float and have a mini competition to see who reaches the bottom first.
Image credit: @jiwoorabbit
You can also simply choose to play in the snow and have fun making snowmen and snow angels.
An admission ticket only grants you access to the theme park, but not the rides. You will need to pay for the rides separately, much like a carnival.
The admission ticket for a full day of fun costs KRW26,000 (~USD22.60) for adults aged 20 years old and above, KRW20,000 (~USD17.40) for youths aged between 13 years old to 19 years old, and KRW17,000 (~USD14.80) for children aged between 36 months to 12 years old.
You can also choose to buy the Free Pass instead, which includes the admission fee and access to all rides. The Free Pass for a full day costs KRW47,000 (~USD40.85) for adults, KRW39,000 (~USD33.90) for youths and KRW33,000 (~USD28.70) for children
Image credit: @hyoeunkimm
If you are only planning on visiting Gyeongju World Amusement for half a day, you can opt to purchase the 3PM pass instead. The 3PM pass for only admission costs KRW18,000 (~USD15.65) for adults and youths, and KRW16,000 (~USD13.90) for children.
The 3PM free pass costs KRW30,000 (~USD26.10) for adults and youths, and KRW26,000 (~USD22.60) for children.
Operating hours are subject to change, so you will need to check their website for the latest updated opening hours.
Address: 544 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Opening hours: 9.50AM-6PM, Daily
Telephone: 054-745-7711
Website
4. Vivaldi Park Ocean World
Image credit: @gon_st
Located on Palbongsan Mountain, Ocean World is South Korea’s most popular water park.
Image credit: @official.daemyung
The water park has a unique Eqyptian concept and is divided into four zones: Indoor Zone, Extreme Zone, Dynamic Zone, and Mega Slide Zone.
Image credit: @sonohotels
The Indoor Zone comprises a regular Swimming Pool, Indoor Slide, Indoor Flowing Pool, Kid’s Pool, and Aqua Pool.
Image credit: @pjm012486
The Kid’s Pool is an indoor water playground made specially as a safe space where young children can play in the water.
Image credit: @eunjin.kkang
The Indoor Zone also has giant floats for children to play in.
Image credit: @sonohotels
Although it’s officially considered part of the Indoor Zone, the Tower Pool is actually outdoors. The Tower Pool overlooks a lake and the outdoor zones in Ocean World.
Image credit: @official.daemyung
The Giant Waterplex is the outdoor water playground in the Dynamic Zone, and it’s suitable for both adults and children.
At the top of the Giant Waterplex, there are two giant buckets that will tip over once filled – if you’re feeling brave, you can wait underneath and feel the force of six tons of water gushing down on you at once.
Image credit: @hanchigol_gil
Ocean World boasts of numerous thrilling slides, such as the Monster Blaster, Super Boomerango and Super S Slide.
Image credit: sonohotelsresort
The Super S Slide is an exciting ride that allows families and friends to sit together. You can slide down from a height of 3m in 6m-wide tunnels on a family tube that seats up to five people.
Image credit: sonohotelsresort
You can even visit the jjimjilbang, a Korean sauna, to sweat it off and relax after a day of playing in the water.
However, you will have to rent jjimjilbang clothing for an additional KRW3,000 (~USD2.60).
Image credit: sonohotelsresort
If you are too tired after a day at Ocean World and can’t muster the energy to travel back home or to your lodging, you can book a hotel room at the Vivaldi Park resort.
You can either sleep on a heated floor with a Korean traditional mattress, or on a normal bed.
Image credit: @official.daemyung
Admission fees to Ocean World differ according to season and location of lockers.
There are three seasons: Middle, High and Gold.
In 2020, the Middle season was from 29th April to 26th May, the High season was from 27th May-30th June and 21st August to 9th October. The Gold season was from 1st July to 20th August. You will need to check their website for latest updates about the dates for each season.
According to their website, a full-day ticket during the Middle season with lockers inside the water park costs KRW50,000 (~USD43.45) for adults and KRW40,000 (~USD34.75) for children aged 36 months-12 years old.
A full-day ticket during the High season with lockers inside the water park costs KRW60,000 (~USD52.15) for adults and KRW50,000 (~USD43.45) for children.
A full-day ticket during the Gold season with lockers inside the water park costs KRW77,000 (~USD66.90) for adults and KRW67,000 (~USD58.20) for children.
If you simply wish to spend the afternoon at Ocean World, the afternoon ticket is KRW10,000 (~USD8.70) cheaper and you can only enter from 2pm onwards. During the Gold season, you can only enter from 3PM onwards.
For lockers located outside Ocean World, the cost of admission is cheaper by KRW10,000 (~USD8.70) too.
Admission is free for infants under 12 months.
Address: 262 Hanchigol-gil, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening hours: Mon – Tues & Thurs – Sun 11AM-5.30PM, Closed on Wed
Telephone: 82-1588-4888
Website
5. Wolmi Theme Park
Image credit: @planting_choi
Wolmi Theme Park used to be called My Land, but it was rebuilt and renamed in 2009. The theme park is located on Wolmido Island, near the Wolmido Traditional Park in Incheon.
There are both indoor and outdoor zones in the theme park, with a total of 38 rides.
Image credit: @__soo_jung
Unlike the theme parks listed above, Wolmi Theme Park seems to be catered specially for young children and families.
Most rides here are suitable for young children. Notable examples include the Frog Swing, Funny Bunny, Bumper Car, and Mini Viking.
Image credit: @young_a.78
Most of the child-friendly rides are located in the indoor zone of the theme park.
Image credit: @young_a.78
Children can also go on water rides such as the Water Boat, Water Ball, and Mini Flume Ride. Do remember to bring a change of clothes or a poncho for these activities.
Image credit: @jwahopark
There are several rides that teenagers and adults can enjoy. The most popular ride is the Tagada Disco, where people sit around in a circle and get tossed around as the ride tilts back and forth.
Other thrilling rides include the 2nd Floor Viking, Hyper Drop, and Super Jump.
Image credit: @kto_singapore
The Mooneye Wheel can’t be missed – riding it gives you a beautiful view of the Incheon ocean, the Incheon city, the Incheon bridge, and even some islands off the coast.
We recommend that you go on the Mooneye Wheel in the evening to view the city lights.
Image credit: @jilly_pootpoot
A one-day free pass ticket costs KRW30,000 (~USD26.10) for both adults and children.
If you only plan to go on a few rides, you can opt to buy a cheaper ticket that gives you access to a limited number of rides. It costs KRW15,000 (~USD13.05) for both adults and children. Each child can select up to four rides and each adult can select up to three rides.
The Water Ball, VR Station, Racing Cart, and Crazy Cart rides are not included in the one-day free pass and you will need to pay for them separately. Each ride costs KRW5,000 (~USD4.35).
Wolmi Theme Park has no admission fee – this means that you can explore the place without going on any rides.
You can view their English e-booklet here.
Address: 81 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-9PM | Sat & Sun 10AM-11PM
Telephone: 82-70-8801-8525
Website
6. Shinhwa Theme Park
Image credit: VISIT JEJU
Located on Jeju Island, Shinhwa Theme Park is a unique theme park based on Korea’s beloved animation series Larva.
Image credit: VISIT JEJU
The entire theme park is decorated with Larva characters, and there is even a Larva’s Adventure Village.
Image credit: VISIT JEJU
Dancing Oscar is Jeju Island’s only roller coaster – be prepared for sharp bends and spins.
Image credit: Jeju Shinhwa World
Oscar’s Spin’N Bump is a ride that spins as it goes up and down a wavy track at high speed. Unlike most rides, you have to stand instead of sit.
Image credit: Jeju Shinhwa World
If spinning on Oscar’s Spin’N Bump seems like too much for you, you can consider Buck’s Dance instead. At least you can control the spinning speed for this ride.
Image credit: @daraxxi
2NE1’s Dara once visited Shinhwa Theme Park with a friend and shared a funny story about going on Oscar’s Spin’N Bump and Dancing Oscar alone because her friend was too scared to ride them.
Image credit: @limy81
The Unlimited Pass costs KRW20,000 (~USD17.40) for all visitors and allows you to take all rides.
The Big 5 ticket costs KRW18,000 (~USD15.65) and allows you to go on five rides.
The Big 3 ticket costs KRW11,000 (~USD9.60) and allows you to go on three rides.
If you would only like to try one or two rides, you can choose to pay KRW4,000 (~USD3.50) for each ride.
We recommend visiting Shinhwa Theme Park if you have children with you.
Address: 38 Sinhwayeoksa-ro 304 beon-gil, Andeok-myeon Seogwipo-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 12PM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 82-64-908-8888
Website
7. E-World
Image credit: @eworld.official
E-World is a theme park in Daegu that has both awesome rides and stunning light installations.
The theme park is divided into four “worlds”: Fantasy World, Magic World, Adventure World, and Dynamic World.
There is also the 83 Tower Sky Garden, where you can find the Yanolja Sky Drop and the Sky Way, the latter of which is a cable car ride.
Image credit: @eworld.official
Located in Dynamic World, Hurricane – the theme park’s representative roller coaster – got its name because riding makes you feel as if you are inside a hurricane.
Image credit: @eworld.official
Also located in Dynamic World is the Mega Swing 360, a force to behold as it spins and swings 360 degrees at high speed.
Image credit: @eworld.official
Although it’s not nearly as exciting, the classic Merry-go-round in Magic World shouldn’t be missed.
We recommend visiting in the evening because it looks magical with the lights on – perhaps this is why it’s located in Magic World.
Image credit: @heeju_93
Child-friendly rides such as the Frog Jump, Magic Train, and Flying Elephant, are also located in Magic World.
Image credit: @keng_0215
There is also an animal farm where you can feed animals such as goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Image credit: @eworld.official
At E-World, the light installations are the highlights of the theme park.
Remember to bring a portable charger because there are many beautiful photo spots. It would be a pity if your phone or camera ran out of battery before you can snap photos to your heart’s content.
The admission ticket costs KRW26,000 (~USD22.60) for adults, KRW16,000 (~USD13.90) for youths aged 14-19 years old, and KRW15,000 (~USD13) for children aged 3-13 years old. It grants you entry into E-World with free performance viewing, and you can also visit the animal farm.
The Free Pass costs KRW45,000 (~USD39.10) for adults, KRW16,000 (~USD13.90) for youths, and KRW15,000 (~USD13.05) for children. It allows you enter the theme park, go on the rides, and view the 83 Tower Magic Art exhibit
Do note that some rides open at different times, and we advise that you check their website to find out the operating hours of the rides. Opening hours may also differ.
Address: 200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30AM-8PM | Sat & Sun 11AM-9PM
Telephone: 82-64-908-8888
Website
8. Ecoland Theme Park
Image credit: @j.insuk
Ecoland is a theme park on Jeju Island that doesn’t seem like a theme park because there aren’t any actual rides. Instead, you’d find plenty of natural attractions here.
Image credit: @yoonmiseo
You travel around the theme park by train, and each train has a different name.
There are eight different trains in total: Red Sand, Yellow Flower, Green Forest, Blue Lake, Black Stone, Purple Dream, Blue Sky, and Orange. Yes, it’s just “Orange.”
There are five train stations: Main Station, Ecobridge Station, Lakeside Station, Picnic Garden Station, and Lavender, Green Tea & Rose Garden Station.
The trains arrive at the stations at regular intervals of 7-12 minutes.
Image credit: ECOLAND
Ecobridge Station features a 300m-long deck over a 66,000 sq metre lake. Walking on the deck makes you feel as if you are walking on the water.
Image credit: @leesj1020
Horses used to be bred at Lakeside Station. Now, it is an attraction where visitors can ride bumper boats on the lake.
Image credit: @geumzzii_
The Windmill is a popular photo spot at Lakeside Station.
Image credit: ECOLAND
The Picnic Garden features large fields where you can have picnics, so if you plan to have breakfast or lunch here, you can bring a picnic mat and alight at Picnic Garden Station.
There is also a Kids’ Town where children can play.
Image credit: ECOLAND
Within Ecoland, there’s the Gotjawal forest trail. You can even embark on a guided Gotjawal forest tour for free, which is great for nature lovers and those who wish to learn more about the forest.
“Gotjawal” refers to forests on the rocky ground formed when lava from volcanic eruptions cool and solidify. As this ground cannot be easily used for agricultural purposes, the forest remained untouched and thus thrived.
Image credit: @eunha._.mom
The Lavender, Green Tea & Rose Garden is a European-style garden. Besides various herbs, roses, you’ll also find a green tea plantation and a lavender field here.
Image credit: @yunmi_hoya
The beautiful and vast flower fields make great photoshoot locations for Instagram-worthy pictures.
Tickets are priced at KRW14,000 (~USD12.15) for adults aged 19 years or older, KRW12,000 (~USD10.45) for youths aged 13-18 years old and KRW10,000 (~USD8.70) for children aged 3-12 years old.
Visitors get a discount of KRW2,000 (~USD1.75) per ticket if there’s a group of 20 or more people visiting at the same time.
Address: 1278-169, Beonyeong-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si
Opening hours: April – November 8.30AM-5.30PM, Daily | December – March 11AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 064-802-8020
Website
Theme parks in Korea besides Lotte World & Everland
Lotte World and Everland may be more popular than these 8 theme parks, but do consider visiting one or more of these theme parks because each has its own charm. There are also rides that you may not be able to find in Lotte World and Everland.
Also check out:
- The Garden of Morning Calm: An oasis of flowers
- Haeundae Blueline Park: Closed railway now an attraction with coastal views
- 10 family-friendly activities in Seoul to keep your kids entertained
- 9 Korean ski resorts less than 3 hours from Seoul
- 9 mountains to hike in Seoul & other parts of South Korea
Cover image adapted from: @hi_gyeongju, @planting_choi, @eworld.official, and @official.daemyung