[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Swapping ice creams for real screams: Four chilling horror attractions to escape the heat

Check out these chilling horror attractions to escape the heat, from haunted villages and horror exhibitions to immersive occult-themed experiences, catering to different levels of intensity.

Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi offers horror experiences every summer, with performers in traditional costumes from the Joseon Dynasty. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Korea was struck by sweltering heat waves this week, prompting numerous advisories from the Meteorological Administration, especially around Seoul. Portable hand-held fans are quickly replacing long sleeves, streets are emptying and air-conditioned indoor spaces are bustling with crowds seeking respite from the burning sun. While escaping indoors is crucial to survive the scorching weather, there's an even more chilling way to beat the heat — experiencing spine-tingling horror activities.

This summer, why not cool off with thrills and chills? Here are four spooky recommendations in Korea compiled by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Korean Folk Village한국민속촌

A poster for ″Gwigul: A Haunted Prison″ in the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi, is a living museum offering a glimpse into street scenes from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). While the young part-timers' interpretations of impoverished peasants from the past have garnered humorous reactions on social media and spawned memes, the site is known not only for its replica of an old village but also for its impressive horror programs every summer.

The notorious horror attraction known as "Gwigul" or Ghost Cave features two main programs. "Hyeoransikgwi: A Haunted Den" presents a dark haunted set, while the more intense "Salgwiok: A Haunted Prison" challenges visitors to solve mysteries surrounding a cruel myth through eight disturbing courses. First-time visitors are advised to start with the Haunted Den for a slower buildup. Groups of three to four navigate the den together, known for being less intense, while the Haunted Prison warns upfront about potential claustrophobia and offers a high-intensity experience complete with traditional costume-clad actors and simulated blood showers.

@koreanfolkvillage90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung District, Yongin, Gyeonggi(경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90)Operating hours: From Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. On Friday and during the weekend, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. A Haunted Den: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Admission fee: Free Pass - 35,000 won ($25.2) for adults, 32,000 won for entry after 5 p.m. (Once you pay the fee, you get access to not just the horror program but to all attractions in the site) Pass for "A Haunted Den": 8,000 won Pass for "A Haunted Prison": 13,000 won Phone number: 031-288-0000Website: https://www.koreanfolk.co.kr/multi/english/

Junji Ito Horror House 이토 준지 호러하우스

A poster for ″Junji Ito Horror House,″ a horror-themed space in Mapo District, western Seoul [INTERPARK]

For fans of horror and manga, Junji Ito, the Japanese manga artist and the creator of the megahit horror manga series "Tomie" (1987-2000) and "Uzumaki" (1998-1999), needs little introduction. This manga master's horror exhibition landed in Seoul this June titled, "Junji Ito Horror House." Running until September 8, the exhibition takes place in LC Tower in the Hongdae neighborhood in Mapo District, western Seoul.

The exhibition features horror-themed rooms and supernatural activities designed to startle the visitors with an unsettling atmosphere. Some jump scares are part of the package. You will get to enter in groups of six to ten, everyone holding onto a rope in a line.

Once you enter, grotesque creatures and eerie settings summon the storyline to real life, alarming fans with music, sound effects and some real actors in disguise. The exhibition zone takes around half an hour, which connects to a different zone with merch and a cafe. Only those aged 14 and above can enter, as the experience can be disturbing to young visitors.

186 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo District, western Seoul(서울 마포구 양화로 186)Duration: June 15 - September 8, 2024Operation hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission fee: 25,000 won for adults born in 2005 or before, 19,000 won for those born in 2006 and later

OPCI다이브 인 OPCI

OPCI, or Dive In OPCI, offers an immersive media experience that follows a visitor's point of view at the investigation office of supernatural incidents at Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Yeoungdeungpo Time Square in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, launched a horror-themed space called OPCI in April on its basement floor. Also called "Dive In OPCI," the theme of this event is that you are visiting the office of the Organization for Psychic Case Investigation, or OPCI. This fictional organization was apparently established in 1624 to tackle supernatural phenomena through experiments and close observations. The OPCI office replicates an office in the 1980s, with vintage furniture and displays. An unusual twist in the program is that there is no person behind the set, meaning there are no manual jump scares or characters in disguise.

Instead, the theme focuses on immersive media and digital effects that enhance the eerie atmosphere, explaining conspiracy theories and unusual stories through various methods. It's a perfect choice for those interested in occult themes seeking a less physically intense experience.

@dive_in_kr15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul (서울 영등포구 영중로 15 타임스퀘어 지하 1층)Duration: April 13 - December 31, 2024Admission fee: 13,000 won (Those under 15 years old cannot enter) Phone number: 02-2675-0180

First Garden, Oliver's Lodge퍼스트가든 올리버의 산장

Oliver's Lodge offers a horror experience at a mountain lodge with a murderer and a cannibal. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

For newcomers to horror themes or those preferring a milder scare, Oliver's Lodge at First Garden in Goyang, Gyeonggi may be an apt choice. Set around the premise of encountering a wooden house while lost in the mountains, visitors confront Oliver, a murderer, and his cannibalistic mother amid eerie room settings and performers adorned in costumes and makeup.

First Garden in Paju, Gyeonggi [FIRST GARDEN]

Oliver's Lodge temporarily paused its operations for maintenance and renewal but announced plans to reopen in July, promising an enhanced horror experience. Aside from its horror attractions, First Garden is a worthwhile visit for its well-maintained gardens and picturesque landscapes.

@firstgarden1260 Tapsakgol-gil, Paju, Gyeonggi(경기도 파주시 탑삭골길 260)Operation hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Oliver's Lodge only operates on the weekends and holidays)Admission fee: Monday to Friday, 9,000 won for adults, 12,000 won on Saturday and SundayPhone number: 031-957-6861Website: https://www.firstgarden.co.kr/firstgarden/

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]