25 September 2013
On Saturday we decided to head to Caribbean Bay, the waterpark side of the Everland resort we visited in July. It was the Chuseok weekend and we expected it to be very busy, however, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we did not have to queue for hours or fight our way too much through crowds during the day. It wasn’t busy by Korean standards anyway.
There are 5 sections of the park but 3 of the sections (with the big rides) are only open for one month of the year (in July, for the summer holidays). The other two sections were less exciting but nevertheless, a lot of fun. We were able to have a fun-filled day at a discounted rate, thanks to the Chuseok discount for foreigners that happened to coincide with our trip.
When we arrived, we went on the indoor tube and body slides with almost nobody waiting in the queues. Later in the day, this section had filled up so much that we had to wait up to 45 minutes to take a ride!
The riverway (a lazy river where we you jump on a tube and float around the course) was really good. Apparently, it’s the longest lazy river in the world. We spent a lot of our day lazing on the long riverway and again and marvelling at how the Koreans stuck in their “ppali ppali” (hurry hurry) mentality, who would rather run and push their tubes, and anyone else in their way, to get around the course faster. It’s called a “lazy” river for a reason people!
The riverway connects to most attractions in the park. It’s great to jump on a tube (or run pushing your tube if you wish), ride for a little way and then jump off again at the next place. You can go to almost every ride this way without walking anywhere. Always a bonus.
The other attractions open were the wave pool, the bade pool and the rest and relaxation area with a few jacuzzis and hot pools. The Miracle spa is another stop along the riverway and consists of three jacuzzis and a foot spa. The foot spa was great. Fill it up with hot water from the tap, soak for 10 minutes, pull the plug, fill up with cold water, soak and then repeat. The contrasting temperatures help to promote blood flow and also, apparently, healthy organs. It was very relaxing, even if not quite a miracle.
It was a great day enjoying the last of the summer sun!
If you have a chance, check out the Siam Cafe and Restaurant on your way home. It’s on the road towards the Maseong exit out of Everland, past the GS 25. They have great Thai food.
