South Korea

Lotte World

Lotte World, the filming site of "Stairway to Heaven" is Seoul 's Disneyland . This is the only world-class theme park visible from space, complete with its very own Lotte Hotel and Lotte Department Store. An island linked with monorail, Lotte World has an indoor and outdoor amusement park, a Korean folk museum, a hotel, shopping malls, a lake, movie theaters, sports facilities, and different kinds of parades all in one area. One hasn't visited Korea if they haven't been to Lotte World. Opened in 1989, it receives around six million visitors annually.

The theme park is divided into two areas: "Adventure" is the indoor theme park -- the largest in the world, and " Magic Island " is the outdoor counterpart. Open day and night all year round, tickets sold during nighttime are usually cheaper than the normal daytime tickets. Visitors can surely experience excitement and thrills of amusement rides topped with colorful live performances everyday regardless of outside weather. Even during holidays, enjoy lively parades, laser shows, numerous films, and even international cuisines. Fall in an altitude of 70 meters in Gyro Drop, the best thrill ride of Lotte World. Other recommended rides include the Gyro Swing, The Comet Express, Flume Ride and Spanish Pirate Ship that swings at 75 degrees.

The highlight of "Adventure" is the eye-catching World Carnival Parade. With 200 performers, enjoy festivals, songs and dance from around the world at the Lotte World Ice Rink. The parade starts at 2 PM and 7:30 PM and usually lasts in 30 minutes. Situated at the B3 floor, the Ice Rink is perfect for families and couples with a wide array of restaurants surrounding the area. It also has its own Shooting Range . Other rides inside "Adventure" include Pharaoh's Fury, The French Revolution, and Drunken Basket. The giant carousel was made famous in "Stairway to Heaven," where the two main characters played as children. They also skated in one scene at the Lotte World Ice Rink.

On the other hand, the enchanting " Magic Island " is most famous for its thrilling high-altitude rides and roller coasters. This outdoor amusement park also has its very own Magic Castle great for picture taking. For those who want to spend time for peace and relaxation, visitors can also take the walking trail around Seok-Chon lake. The Cosmos Circus Laser Show is held at the " Magic Island " everyday at 9:30 PM . With the background of Lotte World's "Adventure," see the largest laser circus show on earth with performers coming down from the Galaxy.

Most popular with foreign tourists, understand Korean history and culture through Lotte World's Folk Museum . Folk cultural items are on display, together with the museum's playground and miniature villages. Audio-visual devices and artistic layout makes the visit educational, worthwhile, and easily understandable.