New Theme Park In Korea Has "Magic Forest" Concept With Thrilling Coasters, Fairytale Castle, Parades & More

South Korea might not have a Disneyland - for now - but they’re certainly not losing out on the theme park dollar when they’ve got their own homegrown contender. Since opening in the 80’s, Lotte World Adventure in Seoul has pretty much been Korea’s version of the mega funland. After decades of bringing joy and thrills to visitors, they’ve finally expanded with a second branch called Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest, which recently opened in 2022.

Also known as Lotte’s Magic Forest, this new theme park is around 20% larger than the original, with 6 zones all designed to look like part of a royal kingdom. Naturally, we couldn’t let ourselves miss out during our trip to Busan - here’s a review with handy tips and firsthand information on the best highlights, including a dazzling parade.

Note: Prices stated are subject to prevailing exchange rates, and are correct at time of writing.

Photo from Lotte World Busan

We reached Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest bright and early on a Friday morning just shortly after the theme park opened its gates at 10am and thankfully, there were practically no queues.

Tip: This would probably be a good time to snap a photo in front of the theme park’s European-style clock tower entrance, sans photobombs, because it’ll likely get crowded towards the end of the day when everyone’s leaving at the same time.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Upon entering, you’ll come across a sizeable gift shop. While people typically keep gift shop visits to the end of the day, we suggest popping right in to pick out a headband if taking cute photos is on your agenda! With theme park merch often being pricey, we were surprised to discover how affordable these were - my cat ear headband set me back a mere KRW7,000 (~S$7.25), and there were even some other designs going for just KRW5000 (~S$5.18).

Photo from Lotte World Busan

You might want to manage your expectations a little if you saw the initial artist’s impressions when the opening of the theme park was first announced; Although there’s some resemblance in certain areas, the actual thing IRL differs quite a bit from the mock-ups.

Curious, I asked my friendly guide Dony from Local Travel Lab about it, and he explained that changes for such establishments often do get made along the way after the initial announcements, which might result in an eventual “mismatch” between the drawings and the finished product - similar to how home renovations go.

Photo from Lotte World Busan

That’s not to say that the theme park is any less impressive, though. Judging it in its own right, it still offers a worthy experience that both children and adults will love, and we must say that whoever designed the space didn’t just conceptualise an amusement park - they created a whole lot of magic.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Not sure about you guys, but for me, the appeal of a theme park lies not just in the rides, but also the feeling of being transported to a different world. Lotte World Adventure Busan brings all of that to the table with rustic stone buildings, a charming windmill, and fountain courtyards that made us feel as though we were frolicking in a small town in Germany - a highlight in itself.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There’s also a Talking Tree, the guardian of Lorry Kingdom, who tells the story of the Magic Forest. Well, everything’s in Korean, but it’s still fun to watch the tree come to life as it moves and speaks.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Those who have a penchant for all things fairytale-like will be glad to know that the Royal Garden with a grand castle is one of the features that did make it from the drawing board to real life - but more on that later. First, here’s a glimpse of some of the best rides at Lotte World Adventure Busan!

Best rides at Lotte World Adventure Busan

Giant Digger

Photo from Lotte World Busan

This writer is an adrenaline junkie, so a beeline for the scariest rides was made - with the impressive Giant Digger full of heart-stopping twists and turns being the first pick. This looming red structure is supposed to be the mine train of the Underland Ogres, and the intermittent screams you’ll hear from above you as you’re walking about the park says all about the thrill factor, which we’d rate a solid 5/5.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

You are advised to do a bit of stretching before hopping on; My travel mate ended up with a sore neck after the ride.

Giant Swing

Photo from Lotte World Busan

Similar to the classic viking ship ride, the Giant Swing is one that sways back and forth, going higher and higher with each movement. Except, instead of a regular vessel, you’ll be sitting around a giant “gear” that will rotate as your dangling legs flail about in the air.

Photo from Korea Tourism Organization

Giant Splash

Photo from Lotte World Busan

Nearly gave this one a miss because the prospect of an almost 90-degree drop got my palms all sweaty, but the Giant Splash is one of those rides that looks a whole lot scarier than it actually is - and you’d be remiss not to give it a go. The ride ends with your cart plunging headfirst into the water, but fret not about getting your clothes and hair wet, for there are ponchos that you can purchase from a kiosk nearby.

Ogre’s Flume is another fast ride that involves a splash, but it was sadly closed for maintenance during our visit.

Fantastic Fountains

Photo from Lotte World Busan

Seeking some excitement but can’t handle crazy drops? Fantastic Fountains is one that strikes the middle ground that you need. I didn’t think this would do anything much for me, but I was clearly wrong. As the ride spins faster and higher, you’ll start feeling butterflies in your tummy as the breeze tickles your hair.

Alternatively, there’s the Mysterious Cookie Train, a family-friendly mini coaster that’s suitable for brave children. We also enjoyed ramming into each other with the aptly-named Ram Page bumper cars.

Photo from Lotte World Busan

In total, there are 17 rides at Lotte World Adventure Busan, while the Seoul branch has 46 - which might have you questioning how the former is larger than the latter. Well, the difference actually lies in the floor space, not the number of rides - which was a non-issue for us, given that one usually can’t finish taking all the rides in any theme park within just 1 day. In fact, the spaciousness was very welcome, and we didn’t find ourselves stuck amongst throngs at any point.

Royal Garden at Lotte World Adventure Busan

Lorry Castle

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

One of the most outstanding features of Lotte World Adventure Busan has definitely got to be Queen Lorry’s Royal Garden, wherein lies the pink Lorry Castle. Walk through the flower-flanked gates to reach the fountain square, which sits in front of a flower field that’s manicured to look like the cartoon racoon’s face.

Needless to say, this is the most popular spot in the theme park for photos, especially among couples - so much so that there’s a professional Lotte World photographer stationed there to snap photo prints for you at a fee. We suggest skipping that and taking your own snapshots for free.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Tip: Don’t just stand there - step onto the fountain itself so you won’t appear tiny in your photos (but be careful not to fall in!) It’s also a good idea to take your snaps a little towards the side, rather than smack in the centre, so you won’t end up blocking the fountain and its bronze character sculptures.

Castle observatory

Photo from Shin KyungMin via Visit Busan

Unlike the castles at most Disney Parks, which come with restricted access, the one at Lotte World Adventure Busan can actually be entered. Going up to the second floor will bring you to the castle observatory, where you can get a panoramic view of the enchanted kingdom before you.

Tip: Sunset in Busan is around 7pm. Should the weather be clear, this would be the time to head up for the most magnificent views.

School uniform rental

Photo from Shin KyungMin via Visit Busan

You’ll likely be met with the sight of grown adults in school uniforms while there. No, they’re not retainees - they’re simply playing dress up. Wearing such coordinates as regular going out clothes is a growing trend in Korea, especially at theme parks, and if you’d like to join in on the fun, you can rent a set from a Stylenanda-esque pool-themed store within the castle.

Photo from Lotte World Busan

There are outfits for both guys and gals in various colours so you and bae can match.

A uniform rental + theme park entry package costs KRW63,000 (~S$65.21) . Make sure you have your photo ID on hand, and KRW10,000 (~S$10.35) in cash for a refundable rental deposit.

Parades and shows at Lotte World Adventure Busan

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Don’t forget to factor in the shows! We managed to catch the parade, which runs at 2pm and 8pm. This spectacle had us in light spirits as intricate floats cruised by, accompanied by dancing mascots and performers. 

Photo from Korea Tourism Organization

Aside from this, you can also look forward to stage shows full of song and dance, as well as an 8-piece, all-female Magic Fairy Band playing melodies on brass instruments.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Different shows have different timings, and some of them go on breaks from time to time, so make sure you check the schedule beforehand to see which ones to aim for.

Ticket prices at Lotte World Adventure Busan

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Whether you’re a fan of roller coasters or otherwise, Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest is certainly worth a visit as there’s something for everyone here. We were thoroughly captivated by this wonderland - it was easily one of the top experiences of our trip - and our only regret was that we didn’t get to spend more time here, as we had a flight to catch!

Another reason to visit: Tickets to Lotte World Adventure Busan are cheaper than that of Universal Studios Singapore. A Day Pass for Adults costs KRW47,000 (~S$48.65), while an Afternoon Pass for entry after 4pm costs KRW33,000 (~S$34.16).

Lotte World Adventure Busan: Magic Forest
Address: South Korea, Busan, Gijang-gun, 동부산관광로 42
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm daily
Telephone: +82 1661 2000
Website

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Korea Tourism Organization (Singapore). All opinions are our own.

While you're here, check out our article on the KAKAO FRIENDS Flagship Store in Busan - a massive 3-storey wonderland full of character-themed merchandise.