South Korea: Lotte World, Jamsil Station

Travel Date: June 23, 2011
Destination: Lotte World
Even if it is raining outside, we started the day early. We had our breakfast at Paris Baguette with pastries, coffee and milk for 10,200krw (400php).


From Myeongdong station, we had to transfer 2 lanes (green and pink) until we reached Munjeong station. This is where you could find Rodeo Street – an outlet shopping center in Korea. While studying for this trip, I learned that you can’t find any Esprit shop in South Korea. They have more local brands in the area and a few outlet brands of which I’m familiar with. Running shoes at Nike and Adidas range from 2500-4000php. There is also The North Face outlet, and I was able to buy a Columbia jacket for 55000krw (2200php).

From this station we transferred to Jamsil Station and look for our way going to Lotte World.

Lotte World, Jamsil Station, Subway Line 2 & 8, Exit #4
Open: Mon - Thu : 09:30 - 22:00; Fri - Sun : 9:30 - 23:00
Admission: Adults 26,000 won = 1040php (Admission and free performance viewing)
Passport: Adults 38000won = 1550php (Free usage of all facilities, Includes admission (all-in fee to 4D, carousel & light roller coaster ride; star avenue) ; free tour of Folk Museum)

Since it was rainy season and the outdoor attractions are limited, plus we got this discount coupon from Visit Korea website http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/HD/event/enu_20110324/index.jsp), we paid for our tickets at 25000krw (1000php) each.

So why are we visiting this place? Just to ride in the Carrousel? Yeah, it is known as Camelot Carrousel, the one used in Stairways to Heaven. Also, you should not miss the World Carnival Parade that happens twice a day. During our visit we had the Rio Samba theme.

After watching shows and hopping on different rides, it is so cute to have this shot taken of a kid that lay down in the middle of the theme park. It even took around more than 5 minutes before he joined his family in walking again.

Then we moved to Folk Museum, it is a miniature of old villages and a total package that shows Korean history. I must commend this place as they were very good in creating those miniatures as the details are so intricate. The place is so huge, a lot of things to see, I think we had it for an hour and a half and ended like an ‘overload’ of miniatures and history in mind – but the artistry in this place is so amazing! Wow!

We have to sit for a while to regain our energy and proceed with the Star Avenue. This one is a little bit of disappointment. I thought that it will feature a lot of famous Hallyu stars but they are just less than 10. Good thing I can recognize some of them: Song Seung-Heon (Kuya Johny - Autumn in Love, Summer Scent, My Princess), Rain and Choi Ji Woo (Winter Sonata).