Wet Punic War Is One Choice For Children's Day Activities

In Korea, May is considered "family month," since both Children's Day and Parents' Day are celebrated. Even the busiest moms and dads feel obliged to spend some time with their families, and for parents who have not yet decided what to do with their youngsters on Children's Day, Saturday, here is what will be going on at some local amusement parks.

Seoulland

Seoulland is currently hosting an exhibition of dioramas called Miniland. The exhibition features, among other things, an underwater city, a battlefield and a small village in winter. Interesting miniatures, between 1/16 and 1/100 life size, are displayed in three exhibition halls with different themes.

The first hall boasts three big water tanks designed as underwater cities. In the underwater cities are miniature figures representing historic war scenes such as the Battle of Waterloo and a battle from the Second Punic War. The second hall exhibits miniatures and dioramas with three themes, German U-boat bases, pioneers of the golden west and travel through tunnels, while the third hall features the four seasons in Europe. Admission to the exhibition costs 3,000 won (about $2) for adults and 2,000 won for children.

On Children's Day, parades of music bands and dancers wearing gorgeous costume, fireworks and various dance performances will also be presented. For more information, call Seoulland on 02-507-5012 (English service available).

Everland

At Everland, your children can have pictures taken with their favorite cartoon characters and watch performances by military bands. This amusement park has prepared a number of events based on three themes. In the land of cars, children can take a look at the inside of a racing car and sit in the driver's seat. There will be a race of miniature cars as well. In the land of fairy tales, models of well-known characters from fairy tales and large animals made of tree branches will entertain children, while in the land of dances, there will be a special performance by young dancers and a folk dance lesson for visitors.

For more information, call 031-320-5000 (English service available).

Lotte World

Lotte World is currently staging a special exhibition on Hans Christian Andersen, the famed Danish writer of children's stories. There will be a variety of parades and interesting performances such as puppet show based on the story "The Grasshopper and the Ant," and "Mikhail's Fantastic Magic Show." Lotte World will stay open until 11 pm on Children's Day.

For more information, call 02-411-2000 (English service available).

by Kim Sae-joon