Lotte World is a large theme park in Jamsil, in the south-east of Seoul, with a huge indoor section under a glass roof and an outdoor island on Seokchon Lake. Because much of it is indoors, it works in any weather, which makes it a popular choice in the cold winters and rainy summers. This guide explains how to get there on the subway, how tickets work, how to plan the day and what else is close by.
What is Lotte World?
Lotte World opened in 1989 as part of a large complex built by the Lotte group, which also includes a department store, a hotel and shopping. The park is split into two areas:
- Lotte World Adventure, the indoor park, spread over several floors around a central open space, with rides, shows, a parade and themed streets. It has been listed by Guinness World Records as the largest indoor theme park.
- Magic Island, the outdoor area on an island in Seokchon Lake, home to the fairy-tale castle and several of the bigger thrill rides. It is reached by a walkway from the indoor park.
An indoor ice rink on the lower level and the Lotte World Folk Museum are also part of the complex.
Getting to Lotte World by subway
Take Line 2 or Line 8 to Jamsil Station. The station is directly connected to the Lotte complex by underground passages, so you can follow the Lotte World signs inside the station and walk in without going outside. Signs are in Korean and English, and the walk from the platform is a few minutes.
Jamsil is a large interchange with several exits and long corridors, so allow a few extra minutes the first time. If you are coming from central Seoul, Line 2 runs directly from areas such as City Hall, Euljiro and Gangnam.
See other places around Jamsil on our Seoul subway guide.
Lotte World tickets and booking
Tickets can be bought at the gate or online through the official Lotte World website (lotteworld.com) and authorised sellers. There are usually separate prices by age, and full-day passes are the standard option. Some periods have reduced-price tickets for entry later in the day. Foreign visitors sometimes find discounted tickets through travel booking platforms, but compare carefully and make sure the seller is reputable.
Prices, opening hours and the schedule of parades and shows change through the year, so check the official site for current prices and hours before you go. Magic Island can close or limit rides in bad weather, so check its status on the day if outdoor rides matter to you.
A paid queue-skip option for popular rides has been offered at some times. It can be worthwhile on weekends, but it sells out and adds a lot to the cost.
Best time to visit Lotte World
Weekdays outside Korean school holidays are the quietest. Weekends, public holidays and the school vacation periods in summer and winter bring long queues for the main rides. School trips can make weekday mornings busy in spring and autumn.
Plan to spend most of a day here if you want to ride the major attractions. Arriving at opening and heading straight for Magic Island's thrill rides, before queues build, is a common strategy.
Tips for the day:
- Check the parade and show times on arrival and plan rides around them.
- Bring a light jacket in cooler months for Magic Island, even if you spend most of the day indoors.
- Many visitors dress up in school-uniform rentals or themed headbands, which are sold inside the park.
Rides and highlights
Magic Island
- Gyro Drop, a very tall free-fall tower with views over the lake.
- Atlantis Adventure, a fast coaster that is one of the most popular rides in the park, often with the longest queue.
- The castle, the park's landmark and a favourite photo spot, especially at night.
Lotte World Adventure (indoors)
- French Revolution, an indoor roller coaster.
- Pharaoh's Fury, a jeep-style dark ride.
- Gentler rides, a balloon ride above the central space, and areas suited to younger children.
- The daytime and evening parades along the central streets.
Nearby on the same subway stop
Jamsil has plenty to fill an evening or a second day:
- Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in Korea, with the Seoul Sky observation deck near the top.
- Lotte World Mall and the Lotte World Aquarium at the base of the tower.
- Seokchon Lake, with a walking path around it that is especially popular during cherry blossom season.
- Olympic Park, built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, a short subway ride away.
For food, cafés and other places near the park, open the Lotte World page on Around the Metro.