Hello, this is Homo Efficients.
On Chuseok day, after greeting our elders by phone, our family visited Gyeongju World.
According to sources like Namuwiki, Gyeongju World is considered one of Korea’s top three amusement parks. In this post, I’ll explore how a regional amusement park holds this rank alongside Everland and Lotte World.
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<Bliss Cafe>
On Chuseok day, many stores close as staff also observe traditions. Since we were in Gyeongju, a city rich in history and tradition, we expected fewer open options. However, my wife diligently searched for open cafes and found "Bliss," a well-known spot between Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Complex.
Bliss offers a wide variety of baked goods, with their signature "Quiche" being a standout. The quiche is a nutritious blend of bread, vegetables, and eggs, and their onion bagel was also eye-catching. The cafe spans two floors, featuring impressive decor and a relaxing view, making it a great spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch.
That morning, Gyeongju World opened later than usual at 11:30 a.m., so we spent a long time at the cafe. To our surprise, there were many others out enjoying the holiday morning, and by the time we left, the parking lot was packed.
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<Gyeongju World>
Being one of the top three amusement parks in Korea, Gyeongju World is known for its significant investment in thrilling rides. Notable rides include the "Draken" (a 90-egree drop roller coaster) and the "Submarine Splash" (a log flume ride with lots of water). Fortunately, because it was Chuseok day, wait times weren’t too long, with the longest line being around 30 minutes.
- Parking
Gyeongju World offers several parking lots around the main gate, all affiliated with Kakao. Parking costs 5,000 KRW per day, but with pre-payment or KakaoT registration, you can get discounts to 3,000 KRW or 2,000 KRW. The lots are close enough to walk to the entrance, unlike Everland, which requires shuttle services.
- Size
Gyeongju World is much smaller than Everland but larger than Lotte World. It’s easy to navigate on foot, and the attractions are top-tier, ranking it among the best amusement parks.
We started with the "Submarine Splash" to cool down, as the weather was sweltering, reaching a heat index of 38°C. This ride drenches you completely, so it’s essential to wear a raincoat. They sell them on-site for 2,500 KRW, but you can find them cheaper elsewhere beforehand.
While some rides have height restrictions (Submarine Splash has a 130cm limit), nearby rides like "Rapids Ride" offer a gentler but still wet experience. Additionally, Gyeongju World had already begun its Halloween preparations, adding a festive vibe to the park.
Other thrill rides like "Draken" and "Magic Drop" were also fantastic, though we couldn’t take photos during the rides. I highly recommend Draken—it’s easily the best ride I’ve ever experienced.
- Food
While the park is charming, the food options are a bit lacking. There are a few small restaurants, but seating is limited and the menu isn’t very diverse. Prices are typical for amusement parks, but note that even the restaurants don’t have water dispensers, so you’ll need to keep buying bottled water.
We entered at 11:30 a.m. and stayed until 6 p.m., managing to ride most of the major attractions, except for the bumper cars and the very kiddie rides. Compared to other parks like Everland and Lotte World, where long wait times prevent you from enjoying as many rides, Gyeongju World gave us a satisfying day out.
For discounts, Gyeongju World offers various options through Naver reservations or credit card promotions, so be sure to check the website before your visit.
As someone who grew up spending holidays visiting relatives, this was my first time traveling during Chuseok. While I had some reservations, it turned out to be a fulfilling and relaxing trip. Next time, I plan to bring my parents along.
Thanks for reading!
