Everland, one of South Korea’s premier theme parks, has announced the launch of its winter festival, Wintertopia, in collaboration with Finland’s beloved Moomin characters. The event will kick off on December 6 and run through March 3, 2024, offering visitors a magical array of winter-themed activities and attractions.

At the entrance, guests will be greeted by a 9-meter-tall Moomin art installation, alongside 4-meter-tall statues of Everland’s star twin pandas, Louibao and Huibao. This spectacular display sets the tone for the immersive winter wonderland within.

The Four Seasons Garden has been transformed into the Nordic Forest, a setting inspired by Moominvalley, the fictional home of the Moomin characters. Spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, the area features a Northern European theme with lush decorations. Visitors can also enjoy the Moomin-themed festival train, which circles the garden and enhances the Nordic atmosphere.

Nearby, the Memorial Shop offers exclusive Everland-designed Moomin merchandise, while the Garden Terrace restaurant serves up special collaborative menu items, ensuring guests can take home a piece of the magic or enjoy a festive meal.

In January, Everland will debut a Moomin multimedia show in the Four Seasons Garden, a first-of-its-kind performance in South Korea. This addition promises to bring even more enchantment to the Wintertopia experience.

From December 6 to 8, the festivities will include a special visit from Santa Claus, flown in from the official Santa Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, courtesy of Finnair, Santa’s official airline. During the Santa Meet & Greet event, guests can interact with the one and only official Santa Claus, take photos, and receive souvenirs. One lucky visitor will win two round-trip tickets to Rovaniemi through an on-site raffle.

Everland’s Caribbean Bay water park will also participate in the festivities, featuring Moomin photo spots, tree installations, and a Finnish-style barrel sauna near the outdoor Adventure Spa, offering a cozy retreat amidst the winter chill.

With its mix of heartwarming activities, cultural collaborations, and stunning visuals, Wintertopia promises to deliver an unforgettable winter experience for visitors of all ages.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com