Lotte World Busan Magic Forest (Lotte World Busan), the opening of which has been postponed several times due to COVID-19, will finally open at the end of March. It is the only theme park in Busan which has not had an amusement park even though it is the second-largest city in Korea. It is expected to absorb tourism demand not only from Busan but also from Gyeongnam and Daegu. 

In a recent Metaverse (virtual world) press conference, Lotte World announced that they would open on March 31st in Busan, Gijang-gun, Osiria Tourism Complex (158,000m2).

Under the theme of the kingdom in a fairy tale ruled by the mascot of Lotte World, Queen Rori, Lotte World is divided into six sections, including Underland, Royal Garden, Joyful Meadows, Tinker Falls, Rainbow Springs, and Wonder Woods. In the center of the theme park, the "Talking Tree”is installed, and it tells people the story of each section. Placing buildings and installing decorations that fit with each section's concept makes visitors feel different excitement and fun as they move to different sections. 

The part that the most pay attention to is the attractions, the rides. Lotte World Busan has the“Giant Digger”and“Giant Splash," the first time these rides are presented in Korea. From“Giant Digger,”a launch-type roller coaster that starts in a rush as soon as it moves, you can enjoy the unimaginable speed, with a maximum speed of 105km/h. Moreover, there are three 360-degree rotation sections and this is expected to attract the attention of ride maniacs. 

"Giant Splash”is a water coaster that rapidly descends from 44.6m in height to a channel with 2,000 tons of water. It also allows you to feel the thrill from a speed over 100km/h. When the ride touches the water, a massive water spray will overwhelm the passengers. It seems it might be the most popular ride in the hot summer. 

In addition, there are family-type rides such as the Magical Cookie Train, Swan Lake, and Fight of Sheep that the whole family can enjoy together. You can also find children-only attractions, including Baby Pig Bumper Cars, Candy Train, and Run-goats. 

Starting from Geumgang Park in Oncheon-dong, Dongnae-gu, in 1973, six theme parks such as Lotte World Sky Plaza or Gwangalli Me World in Busan have repeatedly been built and closed. The most recently closed theme park is Me World in Gwangalli, and after that, for ten years, Busan had the dishonor of being the city of "no amusement parks." Families with children and couples had to experience the inconvenience of going up and down from Busan to Seoul or other areas.

Lotte World Busan, which was built in this situation, has high expectations. There are many analyses that it will bring significant aid to Busan's Tourism Industry development because people from not only Busan but also from Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and Gyeonbuk areas are expected to come for amusement park expeditions. Lotte World Busan's annual pass tickets for pre-sale on March 7th were sold out in 15 minutes.

Na Hyun-Soo (20, Dept. of Molecular Biology) said, "I went to Lotte World Busan pre-opening recently. It had the highest level of facilities among amusement parks I visited in the Busan and Gyeongnam areas. In particular, the flagship-level attractions introduced in Korea for the first time were as amazing as I had heard. Even though some improvements are needed because it is early in the opening, I look forward to the future.”

No Na-Ri, a senior staff of the Lotte World Busan Communication Team, said, "Lotte World Busan is the second theme park that Lotte World has opened. I expect Lotte World Busan to be the new culture tour icon of Busan with lots of fabulous parade performances, sightseeing, and entertainments.” 

The Lotte World Busan All-day pass ticket price is 47,000 won per person (for adults), and the cost of the“Afternoon pass" after 4 pm is 33,000 won. If you purchase "Magic Pass Premium" for 15,000 won (2 times) or for 27,000 won (4 times), you can ride attractions that you want right away without a reservation through an exclusive waiting line.

Reporter Kim Ye-Shin

Translated by Lee Su-Hyun