DEBORAH IN KOREA

Category: Theme Parks

  • Alpaca World Korea: Complete Visitor’s Guide (From Seoul)

    Considered the first and only Alpaca Theme Park in the entire world, Alpaca World (알파카월드) is located about 3 hours outside of Seoul and is one stop that I would highly recommend. If you love alpacas or are just looking for something unique to do, this is a great stop filled with animals, unique experiences, and even alpaca themed treats!

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    How to Get to Alpaca World (and what to bring)

    Because Alpaca World is located about 3 hours from Seoul, getting there can be a bit tricky. Personally, I booked this round trip full day Alpaca World Tour through Klook that also visited Nami Island so it was very easy. Alpaca World is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and costs $13 when purchased in advance.

    If you want to do the trip on your own, the next best option would be using public transportation. You could also hire a taxi, however I imagine this would be quite spendy and I wouldn’t recommend. Using Seoul’s public transportation system will take you about 4 hours each way – you’ll want to make it to the Gangbyeon Subway Staion on the Green Line (Line 2), then walk to the East Seoul General Station and catch the bus to Hongcheon Terminal, and finally catch the bus to Pungcheon-ri End Point to walk the remaining 10 minutes to Alpaca World.

    You might also be wondering what to bring to Alpaca World, even if you only plan to visit for a few hours. I would highly recommend comfortable walking shoes – the grounds are quite hilly so going up and downhill will be much easier in tennis shoes. Because Alpaca World is located in the mountains the weather can also be a bit different from Seoul, so I recommend bringing a light jacket even in the summer months, as well as sunscreen!

    Lastly, if you plan to walk the entire grounds then I would bring a water bottle as well, but if you choose not to then there’s a few cafes on site where you can purchase a cold drink. I also recommend bringing a small backpack or large purse to fit all your items in during the Alpaca Playground interaction.

    My Favorite Day Trips from Seoul :

    -> Nami Island and Alpaca World Day Trip

    -> DMZ and Suspension Bridge Day Trip

    -> Minsokchon and Suwon Day Trip

    What to Expect at Alpaca World

    Meeting the Alpacas – At the very beginning of your visit, all guests will be gathered in the Alpaca Playground. Here, you’ll get to experience the very adorable Alpaca Run & be able to feed the Alpacas! If you stand along the fence near the dirt road, you’ll have the best views of the Alpacas running through. I’ll be honest this experience goes very quickly, so I recommend trying to feed an Alpaca as soon as they come through the gate into the playground area. Also, watch out for the occasional peeing/pooping Alpaca! If you end up using all the free food they give you for this experience, then they will also give you more. (This event happens once a day at 10:10 am.)

    Animal Interactions & Experiences – In addition to the Alpaca Feeding experience, there are a few other experiences you can participate in throughout Alpaca World for an extra fee. The Alpaca Healing Walk is available all day until 5 pm for 12,000 Won (about $12 USD). For all other animal interactions, I recommend checking their event page here.

    Other Animals at Alpaca World – Honestly, before visiting Alpaca World I just assumed the only animals they had were Alpaca. However, it turns out that they have quite a large variety of animals including deer, rabbits, ostrich, peacocks, sheep & goats, squirrels, capybara, and quite a few different types of owls & birds of prey. During your time at Alpaca World you’ll have time to walk the property, so you can easily see all the other animals too!

    Feeding the Animals – Throughout the Alpaca World grounds you’ll see pink vending machines for feeding the animals! You’ll have to first purchase “Pacacoins” at the ticket office if you want to later exchange these for more food. Each “Pacacoin” costs 1,000 Won (about $1 USD). These can be used for the Alpacas, rabbits, and deer.

    Food & Drinks at Alpaca World – Like I mentioned above, if you’re planning to explore the grounds for a while I recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated. Although there was no one checking if we had food with us, I don’t recommend. If you really want to bring some snacks I would make sure to have them zipped away in a backpack or purse.

    There are also plenty of cafes and places to cool down throughout the property. We only stopped at the Cafe near the entrance and ticket office (which I recommend only for their adorable Alpaca Breads!) but there are plenty of other options near the top of the Theme Park. You can find Korean snacks, drinks, and meals if you’re hungry! There’s also many picnic tables to sit at in the shade for you to enjoy a cool drink or snack!

    Getting your Free Alpaca Stickers – Even if your time is short, I always love a fun challenge and highly encourage you to try to grab all 10 stamps to get your free page of Alpaca Stickers! You can find the stamp collection page on the back of the welcome brochure/map, as well as a guide to where you can find each stamp – each stamp location looks like a stand with a little house on top. Even though I had to go pretty quick to get all my stamps during my tour time, I was able to grab my free stickers and still have time to enjoy some Alpaca Bread & some lemonade!

    Watch My Alpaca World Adventures Here!

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  • 13 Best Things to Do on Wolmido Island, Incheon

    Wolmido is famous around Korea for a few things. One, for being the perfect quick getaway for a date day outside of Seoul, and two, for being a popular K-Drama filming spot. With delicious local restaurants, plenty of fun carnival rides and games, and beautiful views of the coast – there’s plenty to do even if you’re just visiting for the day.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Getting to Wolmido & Planning Your Trip

    No matter where you’re coming from in the Seoul area, Wolmido is very easy to get to, however because Wolmido is located on the western coast of South Korea near Incheon International Airport, it might take you a while on public transportation.

    On the subway, you’ll want to connect to either the Dark Blue #1 Line or the Golden Yellow SuinBundang Line and take it all the way to Incheon Station. When you exit you’ll be right at the entrance to Incheon’s Chinatown – and from here you can either take a bus or the Wolmido Sea Train onto Wolmido Island.

    As you plan your trip to Wolmido, I recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, bringing extra sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course your camera to capture the beautiful coastal views! You’ll also want to come with an empty stomach to enjoy the delicious local restaurants. It’s also worth noting that during summer months many people visit Wolmido as a quick getaway or date day from Seoul, and so you can expect lots of couples and Seoul locals.

    If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Wolmido, I recommend this Holiday Inn near Central Park!

    My Favorite Tours Near Wolmido :

    -> Pororo Theme Park Admission on Wolmido

    -> Incheon Full Day Tour from Seoul

    Best Things to Do in Wolmido

    1. Enjoy the Carnival Rides
    As soon as you walk around Wolmido you’ll notice this area is filled with not just the Wolmi Theme Park but also random rides in the area that you can enjoy! Two of the most popular in Korea are the “Disco Pang Pang” where riders attempt to sit around a circular arena as the announcer tries to bounce them off, and the second is “The Viking” – a pirate boat that swings up and down. You can choose to get a day pass or pay for each ride individually at the ticket booths.

    2. Play Some Carnival Games
    The more you walk, you’ll also notice plenty of small shops with all kinds of Carnival Games inside! Currently, the most popular is the dart throw to pop balloons – it’s really quite easy but you’ll have to buy a lot of rounds to actually win a large prize.

    3. Enjoy the Local Cafes
    Although there’s a number of cafe’s throughout all of South Korea, one of my personal favorites on Wolmido is the Orange Cafe. They have a super comfortable interior with adorable macarons and drinks, and when I visited the owner had her adorable puppy running around as well. Plus, because it’s on the second floor the views of the ocean are stunning!

    4. Look For K-Drama Filming Locations
    My husband and I were lucky when we visited and there were multiple filmings going on along the main street, however this is a fairly popular spot to film K-Drama scenes so chances are pretty good you’ll see one too if you’re lucky! Descendants of the Sun, 19/20, and Hotel Del Luna all had scenes filmed on Wolmido!

    5. Visit the Incheon Chinatown
    Not technically on Wolmido, but this Chinatown is the most popular and well known throughout Korea. As you exit the Incheon subway station, you’ll simply have to cross the street and you’ll find yourself right at the beginning! I highly recommend trying some Chinese-Korean cuisine, specifically a black noodle dish called “jajangmyeon” (자장면) that is only found in Korea. You can also walk up the hill to the Emperor Stairs for a fantastic view.

    6. Try the Local Seafood
    Because Wolmido is located right on the coast, it’s also lined with plenty of local seafood restaurants – and although they’ll all beckon you in as you walk by – don’t feel any pressure! Honestly they’re all serving the same dishes, so I would go into the one that looks the busiest! If you don’t feel like seafood, there’s an excellent traditional Korean Udon restaurant off the main road that serves some awesome King Dumplings!

    7. Ride the Wolmido Sea Train
    This is hands down the best way to experience the incredible views of Wolmido and the ocean – plus, by taking the Sea Train you’ll save your legs and feet from walking around the entire island! Included in the your ticket you get one chance to get off and get back on, so I recommend doing that at the beginning of the Culture Street and walking down to the next station.

    8. Walk the Wolmi Culture Street
    As you walk down the main street of Wolmido, dubbed the Wolmi Culture Street, you’ll find all sorts of entertainment. From musical fountains, to local fishermen, to beautiful ocean views and even the chance to buy some shrimp chips to feed the seagulls – there’s plenty to do! This is also where you’ll see all the carnival games and rides in addition to the local cafes and restaurants.

    9. Lock Gate Exhibition Center
    This exhibition center on Wolmido shares all about the Port – how and why it started, how it’s changed into what it’s become today, and even future plans for the port area!

    10. Wolmi Observatory
    You’ll have to hike up a few stairs for this observatory, but if you want some more epic views overlooking Wolmido then this is your second best bet aside from the Sea Train! You can also catch your breathe here at the local cafe!

    11. Walk through Wolmi Park
    This large park has plenty of paved trails for a nice walk and even has traditional Korean gardens. You can also find the Maritime Police Ship and the Wolmi Observatory here in the park!

    12. Take the Wolmido Ferry
    ​The Wolmido Ferry is 80 minutes long and takes you from the Wolmido Port around the Yeongjongdo Bridge and the Ara Waterway. It has incredible views of the islands in the area and the coastline, and costs about $15 a person.

    13. Incheon National Maritime Museum
    Having just opened earlier in the year, the National Maritime Museum was created to share exhibitions and galleries that showcase the “magnificent world of the ocean”. Entry is free, so it’s an excellent idea if you’re looking to cool down in the AC or get out of the rain!

    Watch My Wolmido Adventures Here!

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  • Wolmi Sea Train Guide: Everything You Need to Know

    The Wolmi Sea Train is the best way to explore Wolmido – an island right off the coast of Incheon, the home of South Korea’s busiest international airport. With 4 stops along a one way loop, a one way ticket allows you to get off once to explore and get back on. The Wolmi Sea Train is even considered the “longest urban tourist monorail in Korea” and is considered one of the top 100 Must Visit Tour Spots by the Korea Tourism Organization – meaning you should definitely add it to your itinerary!

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Getting Your Tickets & Finding the Sea Train

    The Wolmido Sea Train is open year round, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed every Monday. In the off season (November – March) they’re open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and in the peak season they’re open from 10:00am to 6:00pm with extended hours on weekends and National Holidays.

    Tickets cost 8,000 Won per adult, or 5,000 Won per child, and each ticket includes one chance to get off, explore, and get back on the Sea Train. Luckily, the Sea Train only goes in one direction – so you won’t have to backtrack at all.

    Although my husband and I visited when it wasn’t too busy, apparently even on the busiest days the best way to get a ticket is at the ticket kiosks located at each of the 4 stations. It’s important to note that you will not be guaranteed a seat, and chances are more than likely that you’ll have to stand the entire time. The host on our train even mentioned that on peak summer days you might have to wait an hour or two just to fit into the train – which is why it’s important to plan ahead and remember that the last train is 50 minutes before closing time.

    My Favorite Tours Near Wolmido :

    -> Incheon Full Day Tour from Seoul

    -> Pororo Theme Park on Wolmido

    Best Stops on the Wolmi Sea Train

    1. Wolmi Sea Station
    This is the easiest station to get to if you’re coming from pretty much anywhere, especially since it’s right next to Incheon Subway Station (on both the #1 Blue Line and the Suinbundang Yellow Lines). If you’re getting on or off here, I recommend also stopping by Chinatown – one of the most famous ones in Korea! Some other areas to explore are :

    Silo Wall Painting – apparently the world’s largest Silo Painting, you can see this view from the Sea Train on the way to the next station!

    Port Area – apparently, Incheon was the first port in Korea, and when the original Jemulpo Port opened in 1883 the area was covered in Japanese style buildings and streets – many of which have now been turned into shops, hotels, museums, or exhibition halls

    Jayu/Manguk Park – this park, also called Freedom Park, has plenty of hiking opportunities, sports courts, and even an ocean boardwalk

    Songwol-dong Fairytale Village – this fun village near Chinatown has lots of murals and sculptures to explore, many of which are based on childhood stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Thumbelina

    2. Wolmi Park Station
    I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t recommend using your one stop on the Sea Train here, but if you’re looking for a picnic or stroll in the park kind of day then this is the perfect place to explore.

    Maritime Police Ship – you can see this fun boat shaped building on the way to the next station!

    Wolhyujeong – this traditional Korean Garden can also be seen from the Sea Train, but if you want to have a picnic or just want to head out for a walk this is the perfect place

    Wolmi Cultural Center – at this cultural center you can experience traditional life in Korea as well as the type of food, clothing, and cultures that families would have had in the Joseon Dynasty

    Wolmi Trail – another great spot for a picnic or park walk that is also a great spot to view the cherry blossoms during the spring season!

    3. Wolmi Culture Street Station
    If you want to get off at one station, this is the one I would recommend – and it just happens to be the area where most visitors to Wolmido are wanting to explore anyways. Along the Culture Street you’ll find plenty of rides and carnival games, adorable cafes and yummy restaurants, and you might even have the chance to run into a K-Drama filming crew! Some of my favorite spots in this area are :

    Wolmi Theme Park – another great stop is the theme park, where you can find the famous Ferris Wheel featured on the Korean Netflix show Nineteen to Twenty, and even classic Korean theme park rides like The Viking and Disco Pang Pang

    Wolmi Excursion Boat & Ferry – chances are you won’t be able to take the Sea Train and a ferry in one day, but if you’re in the Wolmido area for a few days then I also recommend booking a boat tour or ferry ride to another nearby island!

    Restaurants – although most of the restaurants in this area are seafood based with some of the best and freshest clams and shellfish you’ve ever had, we did find one restaurant serving more traditional foods like udon, king mandu (dumplings) and bibimbap (called Hansin Udon Wolmido Branch)

    Cafe Street – most of the cafes on Wolmido Culture Street are on the second floor of buildings making them a bit harder to find,  but I highly recommend Orange Cafe – which has delicious chocolate lattes, macaroons, and even an adorable puppy to snuggle with!

    Musical Fountain – although I couldn’t hear the music, the fountain was fun to see and we even saw many people feeding the seagulls with shrimp chips – which you can find at pretty much any convenience store on the street!

    4. Museum Station
    The very last station before heading back to Wolmi Sea Station is the Museum Station. Here you can not only find some of the best views overlooking Wolmido Island, but you can also stop at :

    Incheon National Maritime Museum – having just opened earlier this year, the MMK hopes to share the “magnificent world of the ocean” through their galleries and exhibitions 

    Lock Gate Exhibition Center – this exhibition center shares about the port’s beginning, current state, and port’s future plans!

    Wolmi Observatory – this observatory requires a hike up the stairs, but it’s said to have the best views of all Wolmido, because I haven’t visited this spot yet, I’m not sure if there is an extra fee for this or not

    I recommend…
    Catching the train at the Wolmi Sea Station, which is right next to the Incheon Subway Station. From here, I recommend riding the Sea Train to the Wolmi Culture Street Station – then getting off to explore all the fun sights in the area! The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to walk all the way down to the Museum Station (about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile). From here, I recommend getting back on the Sea Train and riding it back to the Wolmi Sea Station to explore some of Incheon’s famous Chinatown or heading back home via the Subway!

    Watch My Wolmido Adventures Here!

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  • Korean Folk Village (Minsokchon): Complete Visitor’s Guide

    Minsokchon is the most popular Folk Village in Korea, mainly due to its’ proximity to Seoul – an area most tourists frequent. Although Minsokchon is located a little ways to the South of Seoul near Suwon, it’s easy to get to and it’s the perfect full day experience. Here, you can see what life was like for locals, both rich and poor, during the Joseon Dynasty. They even have live performances and plenty of activities you can participate in!

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Getting to the Folk Village & What to Expect

    Minsokchon is located to the South of Seoul, and takes about one hour (depending on traffic) to get there from downtown Seoul. Personally, I think the easiest way to get there is by bus – which drops you off right across the street from the Folk Village’s Parking Lot. This bus station is called the “Korean Folk Village/Bora Hyosung/Samjung Apartment” stop, and the following buses stop here : 10-5, 88, 88-1, 4101, 5001-1, 30, 32, 551-2B, 54. For up to date information on how to get to Minsokchon, check their website here.

    Tickets cost 32,000 Won per adult, 26,000 Won per child, and 22,000 Won for Senior Citizens. Hours for Minsokchon depend on the season – they always open at 10:00am and close either at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, or 7:00pm – and also on any special events or holidays. If you have some things you’d like to put away while you explore, Minsokchon also has lockers available for guests (located directly to the right after you enter). Below, I’ve listed my 11 favorite things to do at Minsokchon to make the most of your trip! 

    My Favorite Tours Near Minsokchon :

    -> Full Day Folk Village & Suwon Fortress Tour

    -> Folk Village & Suwon Night Tour

    Best Things to Do at Minsokchon

    1. Night Experiences
    There are a handful of attractions that can only be experienced at Minsokchon after nightfall (they’re typically open until 6:00pm – 7:00pm depending on the season). One of course, is the Jigokcheon River, which has a giant moon in the center that lights up and the Wooden Bridge that is lined with traditional lanterns – very cutesy. In addition to the beautiful photo zones, they also have special traditional performances, LED performances, and shadow art performances at night!

    2. Minsokchon Horror Experience
    ​This terrifying experience shares the story of the shaman Lee Hwa – including village ghosts! To be honest I wasn’t quite up for it, but I’ve heard it’s one of the scariest and best ghost experiences found in Seoul. Located in the Amusement Village, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

    3. Traditional Holiday Experiences
    During national Korean Holidays, Minsokchon has special activities and experiences for guests to partake in! If you visit during these holidays, you’ll find unique experiences and foods that aren’t typically available to guests during “normal” visits. Dates can change annually depending on holidays based on the lunar calendar, but these include :

    Dongji – also considered the Winter Solstice festival, locals typically eat red bean soup with friends and family, a food also served at Minsokchon on this day (Dec. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026)

    Korean New Year’s Day – a special day to bring in the Korean New Year where locals share rice cakes & rice cake soup (Jan. 29, 2025)

    Jeongwol Daeboreum – a Full Moon Festival celebrating the first full moon of the year, Minsokchon celebrates by building a triangular bonfire – also called the “Moon House” – for burning (Feb. 25, 2025)

    Double Third Festival – a festival originally from China, that is celebrated to ward off evil spirits, at Minsokchon they have special flower pancakes (Mar. 31, 2025)

    Buddha’s Birthday – throughout Korea, the coming of Buddha is celebrated in a large way – primarily through lantern parades and lantern making crafts – at Minsokchon they encourage guests to make special lanterns as well (May 5, 2025)

    Dano – during this festival, locals celebrate the coming of warm weather, planting of the yearly crop, and the coming summer season, during this festival locals wash their hair in boiled water with iris to ward off evil spirits (May 31, 2025)

    Chuseok – also dubbed the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is celebrating the year’s harvest – and locals tend to gather with large meals which also includes gathering to make Songpyeon (you can even experience this right at Minsokchon!) (Oct. 5-7, 2025)

    4. Yippee! Yippee! Parade
    This parade route follows the path circling the Market Village, and showcases traditional clothing, dance, and music! Depending on when you’re visiting it can get quite crowded, so I recommend finding a seat about 10-15 minutes beforehand so you can get a good view. This is one of the best ways to see the traditional dance and “folk people” up close!

    5. Traditional Yeot Candy
    ​If you’re lucky, you’ll run into the traditional Candyman! He’ll be selling Yeot (pronounced “YUT”) – a very sticky rice taffy that is sweet and made from steamed rice, corn and sweet potatoes. Surprisingly it’s quite delicious, and when we met him he was super friendly too! Just be warned, they’re quite messy and VERY sticky – so if he asks if you want it cut make sure to say yes!

    6. Archery, Horseback Riding, Etc.
    ​In addition to special events during Korean holidays, Minsokchon also has traditional activities for visitors to try. During my visit I tried archery (a little more crooked than I was used to haha) but they also have horseback riding, traditional dyeing, and a few others! These types of activities are an extra cost, but usually fairly cheap.

    7. Traditional Tea House
    ​Tucked away on the other side of the river, you’ll find Minsokchon’s Traditional Tea House – which was adorable. They have floor seating – common in hanok buildings – and delicious tea sets. You can choose which type of tea you’d like and also what kind of dessert! When I visited there was no one else there and a very peaceful stop compared to the rest of Minsokchon!

    8. Korean Folk Museum
    ​Nearby the Tea House, you’ll also find the Korean Folk Museum. Here, you can walk through at your own pace to see life for local Korean’s during the late Joseon Dynasty. The museum showcases daily activities, chores, and customs for Korean’s during all 4 seasons.

    9. Eat Your Way Through the Market Place
    ​The Market Place at Minsokchon is the perfect place to grab lunch, especially if you’re at the village exploring all day. Here you can find traditional dishes like seafood and veggie pancakes, bibimbap, jajangmyeon, and nangmyeon! There’s large tables and lots of shade, making it the perfect spot to rest your feet.

    10. Enjoy the Amusement Village
    ​The Amusement Village is on the other side of the river inside Minsokchon, however if you want to start your day with some thrill you can head straight over the bridge to the right after entering Minsokchon. In the Amusement Village you can find all sorts of rides for the whole family – the Viking, bumper cars, and even some roller coasters! This is also where the scary Minsokchon Horror Experience is located.

    11. Enjoy the Folk Village!
    ​Even though there’s a ton to do at Minsokchon, one of the best things to do of course is exploring the Folk Village! Taking up a majority of the Minsokchon grounds, you can self-guide yourself through different buildings during the Joseon Dynasty – like the pottery shop, landowner’s houses, government offices, and even see what a nobleman’s mansion would have looked like in the day. Hidden throughout these grounds you’ll find all the live experiences and hands on activities I mentioned above!

    Watch My Minsokchon Adventures Here!

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  • Complete Guide to Lotte World Seoul (2026)

    Lotte World Theme Park in Seoul is featured on plenty of K-Dramas and reality shows, and if you’re visiting South Korea – and wanting to do something iconic – then this is the place for you. If you want to fit in and do as the locals do, I recommend renting some school uniforms from Pixie on 2F, dropping off your personal items in the lockers on 2F. In order to make the most of your time at the theme park, I also recommend splurging and getting the Magic Pass – it’s an extra 49,000 Won for 5 rides, or an extra 89,000 Won for 10 rides on top of entry ticket prices. Below I’ve listed my personal favorite rides and foods at Lotte World Seoul.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Best Rides at Lotte World Seoul

    1. The Conquistador
    Thrill 6/10 | Wait : 5 Minutes
    A local’s favorite, this ride is nicknamed “Viking” and you can choose to either sign up for a reserved time or join in on the standby line. Personally, my husband and I opted for the standby line and were on the next ride – we just got last pick of seats!

    2. The Adventures of Sinbad
    Thrill 3/10 | Wait : 20 Minutes
    To be completely honest, this ride used to give me nightmares as a kid – and after visiting again last summer I could see why. This floating boat ride takes you through the story of Sinbad the Sailor.

    3. Flyventure
    Thrill 5/10 | Wait : 20 Minutes
    If you’ve ever heard of the Flyover experiences in Iceland, the US, and Canada – then this experience will be fairly similar. You’ll be floated up in movie theater like seats and flown through different animated worlds.

    4. Samba Parade
    Thrill 4/10 | Wait : Go Early for Better Seats
    ​When my husband and I visited last Summer their current parade was the Rio Carnival Samba Parade – honestly I really wasn’t impressed. However, they switch up Parade themes every so often – so I still recommend sitting up front and watching at least one during your visit! Plus you’ll get to see the adorable Lotty and Lorry in action.

    5. Gyro Drop
    Thrill 10/10 | Wait : 20 Minutes
    The Gyro Drop is my husband’s favorite ride at Lotte World. They bring you up to the top for some epic views of the park, then drop you like a rock. I also recommend checking out the Gyro Swing and Gyro Spin rides – both of which can get very popular. However, there was an incident a few years back where a person was flung off and thrown into the Sokchon Lake nearby, so these might be rides you choose to skip.

    6. Atlantis Roller Coaster
    Thrill 10/10 | Wait : 60 Minutes
    This outdoor roller coaster instantly became one of my all time favorite rides. The wait is insanely long, but worth it. Once you make it to the front you’ll realize that this unique roller coaster has no sides, and you actually are strapped into a seat that resembles a motor bike. With sharp turns and drops, if you choose to purchase a Magic Pass then this is the ride you’ll want to use it on!

    7. World Monorail
    Thrill 2/10 | Wait : No Wait
    This easy tram ride tours you around the entire Theme Park, and it’s a great way to get a grasp of the layout of Lotte World. I recommend doing this first thing in the morning, or trying to time it with sunset views over the lake!

    8. Water Flume Ride
    Thrill 8/10 | Wait : 60 Minutes
    I’ve personally always loved water flume rides – and this one is no different. There’s a surprise photo, and giant fall and splash at the end. If you don’t feel like getting wet they even sell ponchos in a vending machine right before you reach the front of the line!

    9. The Comet Express
    Thrill 7/10 | Wait : 60 Minutes
    Chances are you’ll be able to find this ride just from the line, but it’s another ride that’s worth the wait. If you’re able to I recommend reserving your ride time and using your Magic Pass on this dark ride that reminds me of Magic Mountain at Disney World.

    10. French Revolution
    ​Thrill 9/10 | Wait : 60 Minutes
    Another local favorite at Lotte World, this will be a long wait but a fun one. This is the only major thrill attraction ride inside the building, and if you’re able to I again recommend using your Magic Pass on this one and reserving a time slot if you’re able to!

    Now this doesn’t even come close to covering all the rides at Lotte World, and there are plenty of rides catered to younger audiences as well. If you’re looking for some easy rides to enjoy, I also enjoyed The Drunken Basket, Dragon’s Wild Shooting, 3D Desperados, the Magic Tree Swings, Bungee Drop, Camelot Carousel, and the Moonboats – most that will hardly have a 5-10 minute wait!

    My Favorite Tours Near Lotte World :

    -> Lotte World Admission Ticket

    -> Lotte Tower Seoul Sky

    Best Foods at Lotte World Seoul

    1. TGI Friday’s Lotte Shaped Tomato Pizza
    ​(17,500 Won)
    This Lotte/Lorry shaped Pizza is the perfect lunch snack and is one of the only themed meal sets you’ll find at Lotte World. You can find this pizza at TGI Fridays – near the Camelot Carousel.

    ​2. Lotte & Lorry Cookies Butter & Chocolate
    (3,000 Won)
    To be completely honest I wasn’t super impressed with the taste of these cookies (which you can find at multiple stands throughout the inside of the park), but they sure were adorable little caricatures of Lotty and Lorry!

    3. Gyro Churro
    (5,500 Won)
    This miniature version of the Gyro Drop is sold right across the path from the ride itself. I thought this was one of the most delicious snacks I had at Lotte World – and the gummy bears representing riders on the Gyro Drop were absolutely adorable!

    ​4. ​Lotte Ice Cream Ice Factory
    (4,000 Won)
    An adorable Lotty and Lorry shaped ice cream that is perfect for hot summer days. I believe there’s a few different places you can purchase at the theme park, but I found mine inside near the entrance from Magic Island.

    5. Chain Fast Food Restaurants
    (Price Varies)
    If you’re looking for other meals while you’re enjoying Lotte World, you have plenty of options. There’s a KFC, A Twosome Place, BHC (Korean Chicken), Dominos, Gong Cha, and a few others. I didn’t feel we were there long enough to try more than we already had, but they’re on my list for next time!

    Watch My Lotte World Adventures Here!

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  • Is Lotte World Seoul Worth It? My Honest Review

    Lotte World is said to be the largest indoor theme park in the world, and having been there multiple times as a child and now as an adult, you can trust me when I say this is one place you won’t want to miss on your trip to Seoul. Having been featured on countless Korean reality shows (specifically dating shows), there’s plenty of fun rides and delicious foods to try at Lotte World too!

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Planning Your Trip to Lotte World

    Before you make your way to Lotte World, you’ll want to plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting during peak summer months. Tickets to Lotte World cost 59,000 Won per adult for a day pass, or 47,000 Won for a pass for late entry (after 4pm). You can also get discounted tickets for children or if you bundle your Lotte World Ticket with entry to the Folk Museum.

    If you want to do like the locals do, enter through the underground entrance from Lotte Tower – then head to 2F. Here you can find lockers you can rent for the day to store your belongings and a uniform rental shop called Pixie. (And yes, many Lotte World guests do rent school uniforms for the day.)

    Lotte World hours can change depending on the season and day, but they’re typically open from 10:00am to 9:00pm. I recommend going early to avoid the lines to the bigger and more thrilling rides – which can sometimes become hours long.

    Overall, Lotte World is one of my favorite theme parks. It’s large, but still manageable to do most of it in a single day. There are all kinds of rides catered to different age groups, some scarier and more thrilling than others – plus there’s even a wide variety of attractions like the skating rink, folk museum, daily parades, and 5D theater you can enjoy too!

    My Favorite Tours Near Lotte World :

    -> Lotte World Day Pass Tickets

    -> Lotte Tower Seoul Sky Admission

    A One Day Lotte World Itinerary

    10:00 – To make the most of your day trip to Lotte World, I recommend going as early as you can. I would spend the morning hitting the bigger rides that will have very long wait times later in the day. This way, you can use your Magic Pass later in your visit to try the bigger rides again! I would spend the morning doing one round throughout the park stopping at your “can’t miss rides” list.

    12:00 – Around noon you’ll notice the park becoming significantly busier. I recommend heading inside to cool off, and grabbing some of my favorite bites to eat at Lotte World! You can see the current, daily parade schedule here – but there is typically one held around 1:00pm. After grabbing lunch or some snacks and cooling off inside I would head over to the parade route about 15-20 minutes early if you want a good view.

    2:00 – At this time I would do one more lap around the park, hitting all the rides you didn’t get to yet! Because lines will be longer, it’ll take you a while to finish this lap around the park – so I would take your time and stop at all the fun snack shops in the park too!

    7:00 – Around this time, during summer months, is when the sun typically begins to set in Seoul. I would try to time a ride on the Moonboats or on the Monorail during this time for some epic fairytale like views of Lotte World and Sokchon Lake. Afterwards, I would spend the rest of the night on Magic Island (the outdoor area of Lotte World), which feels truly magical at night!

    Watch My Lotte World Adventures Here!

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