If you are a fan of Korean dramas and celebrities, this fall is the perfect time to go on an exciting Hallyu tour in Seoul. There are numerous places in Seoul that have frequently been used as filming sites for dramas or variety programs, not to mention tour attractions solely dedicated to Hallyu.
Among the many attractions, MBC World Theme Park and Klive rank number one on the list of recommendation for an extreme Hallyu experience. Klive is an excellent choice for K-pop fans as its main attractions are heavily based on K-pop stars and music performance. MBC World Theme Park offers a variety of opportunities to feel and experience Hallyu as well as providing awesome environments for memorable pictures. The park has especially gained popularity among tourists after it was used as a filming site for the movie “The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).”
Among the many attractions, MBC World Theme Park and Klive rank number one on the list of recommendation for an extreme Hallyu experience. Klive is an excellent choice for K-pop fans as its main attractions are heavily based on K-pop stars and music performance. MBC World Theme Park offers a variety of opportunities to feel and experience Hallyu as well as providing awesome environments for memorable pictures. The park has especially gained popularity among tourists after it was used as a filming site for the movie “The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).”
MBC World Theme Park Tour Guide
1. Plan ahead for the limited tour time
Facilities open for viewing are divided into the three zones of M, B, and C. However, viewing time is limited to a total of 90 minutes after admission. Therefore, it is advised to manage your time wisely for each zone if you wish to look around and experience all three zones in one day. The average time recommended is approximately 50 minutes for M zone, 10-15 minutes for B zone, and 25-30 minutes for C zone.
2. Photography restrictions in newsroom and hologram theater
Visitors are welcome to take pictures in all viewing areas, excluding the newsroom and the hologram theater. Taking pictures is restricted in these two areas to prevent visitors from disturbing other audiences during performances at the hologram theater and staff members who work at the newsroom, which is an actual working environment.
3. Hold on to your ticket
The admission ticket not only allows you to enter the park, but it also has another secret function. After a simple verification process, the QR code embedded on the front side of your ticket can save all the pictures and videos of you taken during your tour. Keep in mind that a separate purchase of USB at the ticket booth is required to gain access of your pictures and videos.
TIP) How to verify your ticket’s QR code
Each zone has a small, TV-shaped blue box installed that recognizes QR codes. Verify the QR code on your ticket with these boxes first and you will be able to take pictures and videos in that zone.
Must-Do’s at MBC World Theme Park!
There are many places in MBC World Park that offers unique experiences or photogenic environments for visitors. If you decide to include MBC World Park in your schedule, here are a few must-do’s that are well worth your time.
Newsroom and Virtual Reality Experience
Out of the many experiences you can enjoy at MBC World Park, the most noteworthy experience is available at the newsroom. You can feel what it is like to be a news anchor by reading news scripts out lout in front of the camera. If you are not familiar with reading in Korean, you can choose scripts in other languages such as English, Japanese, and Chinese. You might feel nervous with the camera facing directly at you, but it will definitely be a memorable experience.
After having fun at the newsroom, move on to experience virtual reality (VR) or show off your dance moves. VR experience gives you a tour all around MBC’s main facilities while you remain seated on a chair, taking you on a roller coaster ride every time you move from one spot to another in the world of VR. As for the dance experience, you have to move in order to continue. This unique experience gives you an opportunity to feel what it is like to be a dance-pop artist by teaching you dance moves or giving you an opportunity to dance on stage with the k-pop stars of your choice.
Historical Drama Experience
At the Korean Historical Drama Center in M zone, you can get a feel of Korea’s traditional atmosphere. The 50m-long hallway displays MBC’s popular historical dramas such as “Moon Embracing the Sun (2012),” “The Great Queen Seondeok (2009),” “The Scholar who Walks the Night (2015),” and more.
You can also take a look at all the historical dramas produced by MBC and even try on costumes that were used in the actual films. Although a separate fee is required to try out the costumes, do not miss this chance to take memorable pictures with these historical drama scenes and costumes.
Unique Opportunity to Take Pictures with the Stars
If M zone offered unique opportunities such the newsroom, VR experience and more, B zone and C zone offer photo booths and experience programs related to popular celebrities. B zone displays photo walls related to media contents, such as “Infinite Challenge” and “I am a Singer,” and dramas, such as “Pasta (2010)” and “Personal Taste (2010).” Some of the photo walls use illusions to create unordinary pictures.
C zone consists of concept booths where you can feel as if the celebrities are right in front of your eyes. Take a picture with celebrities at My Little Television booth as they greet and approach you, then go on a ride with the celebrities of your choice in their vans at the Star Van booth. The resulting pictures will surely make you laugh.
- ☞ Address: 267, Seongam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Directions: Digital Media City Station (Seoul Subway Line 6, Gyeongui Line, Airport Railroad), Exit 9. Walk approx. 10 min.
- ☞ Operating hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closed the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving))
※ Last admission 2 hours before closing - ☞ Admission: Adults 18,000 won / Teenagers 13,000 won / Children 9,000 won
※ Separate fees apply to USB (8GB) purchase (20,000 won) and wearing costumes (20,000 won) - ☞ Website: mbcworld.imbc.com (Korean, Chinese)
TIP) Make a short stop by the souvenir shop
After exploring all three zones, make a short stop at MBC souvenir shop. The shop sells official merchandise of their popular shows such as “Infinite Challenge.” Mug cups, memo pads, and other goods sold exclusively at this store will serve as a great memento of your trip to Korea, not to mention a perfect gift.
Klive is a concert hall where you can experience K-pop stars’ performances in virtual reality. Read on for our tips on how to enjoy Klive to the maximum!
1. Visit the photo booths
As soon as you enter the hall, you will notice a photo booth displayed to your left. Take a picture here and you will be surprised to see yourself come up on the screen during the performance, making you feel as if you are a concert audience caught on screen.
2. Listen to music on the ‘GIANT TOWER’
Make sure to try out the 6m-tall ‘GIANT TOWER’ installed inside Klive. It is a digital jukebox located near Klive souvenir shop. Choose your favorite song, hit the play button on screen and you will suddenly find yourself in a music room. ‘GIANT TOWER’ will present you with a special experience where you can look up to a picture of the singing artist while you enjoy their music.
3. ‘Enjoy the view from ‘STARRY GARDEN’
Situated on the ninth floor, Klive also offers visitors an awesome view of the city. Look down to see a bird’s eye view of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), well known for its unique architectural design that looks like a spaceship.
Must-Do’s at Klive!
Hologram Concert
Klive presents hologram concerts of performers affiliated with YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, namely PSY, BIGBANG, 2 PM, and Wonder Girls. One may easily underestimate the performance as it is a digital graphic production, but once the show begins, it will surely amaze the audience with its large scale.
The digital performance is so immersive the audience will feel as if they are at a real live concert. In addition to the fancy lights and creative special effects, the magnificent LED media façade of 270-degree view guarantees to keep you busy during the whole performance.
The digital performance is so immersive the audience will feel as if they are at a real live concert. In addition to the fancy lights and creative special effects, the magnificent LED media façade of 270-degree view guarantees to keep you busy during the whole performance.
Souvenir Photos at the Photo Zone
Klive itself may not be big, but it is full of hidden attractions that you can experience even just by looking around. Several photo walls are prepared as well so that you can take memorable pictures with their favorite stars.
All the celebrities standing in different positions add fun to your pictures. Once picture time is over, stop by the exhibition booths STAR LOUNGE and Klive GALLERY. STAR LOUNGE has celebrities’ signatures and handprints on display while Klive GALLERY presents concept artwork and the making of the hologram musical “Comic Maple Story.”
Visit the souvenir shop
Once the performance is over, you can soothe your post-concert depression at Klive GIFT SHOP. The shop displays a variety of merchandise of popular celebrities including printed clothes, cushions, bags, and more. You can also encounter and purchase many versions of Krunk, YG Entertainment’s mascot, such as Pirate Krunk, poker-face Krunk, and adorable Krunk Each doll has its own charm, which will make you smile and serve as an excellent gift for your friends.
- ☞ Address: Lottefitin Bldg. 9F, 264, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Directions: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Station Line 2,4,5), Exits 11 & 12. Walk approx. 2-3 min.
- ☞ Operating hours: 13:30-22:00
※ Closed Mondays and the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) - ☞ Admission:
K-POP EXPERIENCE: Adults 15,000 won / Teenagers & Children 12,000 won
BIGBANG SPECIAL/JYP NATION: Adults 33,000 won / Teenagers & Children 16,500 won
Comic Maple Story: 33,000 won
※ Discounts available through online purchase - ☞ Website: www.klive.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
TIP) Register for K-pop Experience program!
International tourists are eligible to register for K-pop Experience Program operated by Seoul Metropolitan Government. The program is divided into a dance class and a vocal class, and all participants get an opportunity to receive a free tour of Hallyu star experience facilities. Those who are interested can find more details and register through the official website.
☞ Website: english.visitseoul.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Website: english.visitseoul.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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[full credits to Korea Tourism Organization]
