On Apr. 1 in the afternoon, just as the cherry blossoms at Seokchon Lake began to bloom, at the eastern end of Magic Island in Lotte World Adventure in Jamsil, Seoul. Purple roller coaster rails cross overhead, and a landscape packed with Pink Bean and Slime sculptures draws the eye. With Lotte World Tower rising in the background and Seokchon Lake carpeted with cherry blossoms spreading out below, reality and the game overlap in a single frame. It feels less like entering an amusement park and more like logging into the world of "MapleStory."
Set to officially open on the 3rd, "Maple Island" is a permanent themed zone created through a collaboration between Nexon and Lotte World. Nexon transplanted the "MapleStory" IP (intellectual property), built up over 20 years, into a 600-pyeong space. Key in-game regions such as Henesys, Ludibrium and Arcana have been brought to life, and rather than a collection of individual rides, it has been completed as a space where visitors walk the game map themselves.
The site operated as a media-only preview ahead of the official opening. The atmosphere shifts at once after passing the entrance. Roller coaster rails continue overhead as if wrapping around, and attractions, photo zones and shops connect without a break. Visitors naturally sweep through the entire space as if exploring a map.
There are four attractions in total: three new ones (Stone Express, Arcana Ride, Eos Tower) plus the renewed Gyro Spin. Rather than pushing intense thrills, the focus is on experiences anyone can enjoy lightly. Unlike the typical lineup of extreme rides at existing amusement parks, the emphasis on experiences that invite lingering stands out.
"Stone Express" passes through an indoor LED video section before continuing outdoors. The way scenes unfold while passing through a dark space calls to mind an in-game "loading section." After that, it circles the entirety of Magic Island, the view constantly changing, letting you take in the whole space at once.
The "Arcana Ride," which rotates around the central Spirit Tree, catches the eye with bold colors and structure. It serves as a signature photo spot to the point that more visitors are seen taking pictures after getting off than during the ride. It is a section where dwell time naturally lengthens.
On the "Eos Tower," your view opens wide the moment you reach the top. With Seokchon Lake's cherry blossoms and Lotte World's panorama filling your sight, it offers an experience of looking out over the space beyond a simple ride. The renewed "Gyro Spin" also rotates around Pink Bean, leaving a short but strong visual impression.
Overall, the attractions are closer to "comfortably enjoyable" than "scary." Even visitors not familiar with MapleStory can approach them without burden.
Following the rides leads to the "Maple Sweets" shop. Slime-shaped cupcakes, character waffles and vividly colored drinks are on display, and with the cherry blossoms outside the window overlapping, photo-taking naturally follows. It is a space where you take pictures before you eat.
Right next door, the "Maple Store" offers a variety of character goods such as key rings, drink bottles and wands. The flow goes ride → photos → food and drink → product purchase.
A Nexon official said, "Maple Island is not just a case of installing rides, but of restructuring the space itself as a single piece of content," adding, "We designed it so that even visitors who do not play the game can enjoy it regardless of age."
This Maple Island will operate as the core space of "MapleStory in Lotte World," which runs from the 14th to Jun. 14. Admission is free with a Lotte World Adventure ticket. IP-based experiences will also be offered throughout Lotte World Adventure, and at the indoor "Hero Recruitment Zone," visitors can summon and customize their characters via QR code.