Amusement Parks, Children Seoul    

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There are several large theme parks in the vicinity of Seoul. A day out to these parks requires planning to avoid massive crowds (avoid public holidays and Saturday afternoons if you can) and take plenty of sun protection in summer. Some of the following descriptions were prepared by an expat mother of toddlers.

Children's Grand Park  is a large, older park with a sort of depressing zoo in the back. However, it does have other things going for it. Before you get to the zoo there is a giant kids' play area in a sand pit. And around the corner from the play area, there is a water feature where kids play. It is like a shallow, concrete stream running over steps and rocks. Toddlers can splash and play on a hot day. Before you get to the zoo, up the hill on the left is a dog petting area separated into small and large dogs. If you don’t have a dog here, your kids may enjoy just sitting with a little dog on their laps petting them or playing with the big dogs. The areas are well-supervised by dog trainers. Buy a 1000KW ticket at the gift shop before going up.

Dreamland is located within the city limits of Seoul. An urban amusement park, it’s home to three roller coasters, several carnival rides, a water park and a mall petting zoo.

Everland is about an hour’s drive out of Seoul and is set in wonderful surroundings. There are five theme areas including Caribbean Bay, Festival World and Everland Speedway (the latter requires a current driver’s license). Each area has specific attractions, rides and restaurants. In winter, it’s possible to go sledding at Everland Snowbuster. Food must be purchased on the premises at Caribbean Bay; you can’t carry your own and your bag may be checked. For the water sports, a bathing cap is required. Directions and public transportation info, click here.

Lotte World is a giant shopping, sports and activities complex, and amusement center all under one roof. In the center of the complex you’ll find an indoor ice-skating rink that is open year round and where you can rent skates. Towering above the ice rink is an indoor amusement park complete with a roller coaster, monorail and merry-go-round. It’s a great place to go on a rainy day. A monorail connects this large Adventureland to an adjacent lake outside, called Magic Island. Magic Island has indoor swimming pools, bowling alleys, a folk village, hotel shopping center and several movie theaters. Lotte World is located in Jamsil between the two Olympic Stadiums. Jamsil subway station, Line 2 takes you directly into the complex.
Ed. Note May 2008: given the difficulties in accessing the Lotte World website recently, we have obtained the following information for you:
Business Hours:  9:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. for 365 days
Night Admission: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. (30% discount)
Inquiries 82-2-411-2000 / 3400 (ask for English speaker) 

Admission Fee * Day Pass (admission and fees for all rides):
Adults 35,000
Students (13 - 18) 30,000 won
Children (4-12) 26,000 won  
* Big 5 (admission and fees for 5 rides):
Adults 20,000 won
Students (13-18) 17,000 won
Children (4-12) 15,000 won 
* Admission (no rides):
Adults 24,000 won
Students (13-18) 21,000 won
Children (4-12) 18,000 won  
 
Getting there by Subway: Get off at Jamsil Sta. of Subway Line 2 and Line 8. There are exits directly connected to Lotte World.  
 
Seoul Grand Park waaaay south of the river, south of the Gangnam area, is nevertheless worth the trip for its two great zoos. It's a long, uphill walk from the parking lot, so consider taking the tram if you can to haul your stroller up the steps to the station. The children's petting zoo on the left lets you feed llamas and donkeys and pet free-roaming pigs and watch some pretty playful monkeys. The larger zoo on the right is in better shape than the one at the Children's Grand Park and it has a fabulous dolphin and seal show. The Seoul Land Amusement Park also is down here.

Seoul Land offers theme areas each with its own special characteristics and focus. Performances, exhibitions and events such flower festivals take place in the park. Seasonal facilities such as the outdoor swimming pool in summer and a sledding slop in winter make it a fun place to visit year-round. There are also laser shows and fireworks.

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