Finding (N)Everland

20141008-IMG_8699

Roller-coasters, cotton candy, carousels, haunted houses and weird hats all make up essential parts of one of my favorite attractions in the world: theme parks. This past Thursday I got to visit Everland, the largest theme park in Korea. Needless to say I was not disappointed, even though every fun ride was accompanied by a not-so-fun, 1-hour-long line. The line for my favorite attraction, the T-Express, was no less than 2-hours long. Worth every minute of that wait though (here’s a video of the ride).

Also went full native and bought a selfie-stick for my iPhone so we could maximize the experience the only way Koreans know how: by taking a billion selfies. I love this culture!

20141008-IMG_8611

Welcome to Disney – uh, I mean – Everland!

20141008-IMG_8614

ANSA South Korea – For those days when you miss speaking Norwegian.

20141008-IMG_8615

Before venturing into the park it was important to read the map thoroughly and make a plan.

20141008-IMG_8620

In a park like Everland priorities are important. It’s simply not possible to do all of the attractions in one day. Believe me, I would have tried if it was even half-way possible.

20141008-IMG_8623

Before you start your adventure, it’s important to wear the right gear. In Korean theme parks this includes headwear of different varieties of cute.

20141008-IMG_8628

See your favorite K-Pop star “live”. We watched a 3-song concert by Bigbang holograms. Impressive visuals, awkward concept.

20141009-IMG_4176

The first group-selfie of the day.

20141008-IMG_8631

Those are eyeballs hanging from the tree. Everland takes Halloween seriously.

20141009-IMG_4195

Second selfie of the day. High spirits despite the fact that we’d been standing in line for an hour.

20141009-IMG_4249

Third selfie, second line. This one lasted for a full two hours, but at the end of the line awaited the beautiful, aforementioned T-Express. This:

20141008-IMG_8669

It is world’s fourth steepest wooden roller coaster. It is also the world’s ninth fastest, fourth tallest, and sixth longest wooden coaster. T Express was ranked as the world’s best wooden coaster in Mitch Hawker’s online poll in 2008 and 2010. #YOLO

20141008-IMG_8671 20141008-IMG_8679

The Halloween decorations make me nostalgic about Halloween in Hawaii.

20141008-IMG_8696

Is there anything more beautiful than a carousel at night?

20141008-IMG_8711

We discovered this party-fountain-castle as the sun disappeared, and took a break while watching cute couple kiss in front of the fountain.

20141008-IMG_8718

And then we wanted to take a selfie, but a (helpful) Korean guy thwarted our plans volunteered to take our photo instead.

20141009-IMG_8728

Burgers and beer for dinner. You get tired after spending 8 hours in an amusement park.

20141009-IMG_8745 20141008-IMG_8715

Wearing matching clothing, shoes and everything else is a favorite pastime among Korean couples.

20141009-IMG_4351

One last group selfie!

20141008-IMG_8721

Are you an amusement/theme park fan?