Jeju Loveland Sculpture Park (제주러브랜드)
South Korea is a highly conservative country; however, a visit to Jeju’s sex-themed park, “Loveland,” will change how you perceive this country. Sitting on approximately 39,000 square meters, the park features 140 sex-themed installations, two museums, a cafe, and an art shop. The structures depict different sexual subjects from cultural, to older women to animals.
Background
During the 1970 and 1980s, Jeju was a popular honeymoon destination for newlyweds in Korea due to its friendly climate and travel restrictions that existed at that time. Since most marriages were arranged, the hotel staff would create different erotic games for the newlyweds to reduce the tension and awkwardness between them.
Based on this history, a group of students from Hongik University, Seoul, started curating sexual structures in 2002, which later led to the park’s establishment in 2004.
The Sculpture Park
The park is meant to be a place of entertainment and education about sex and sexuality. It’s a place to defy the sexual taboos that exist in different cultures. From the entrance as you walk through the park, the sculptures start subtly and get more erotic as you progress. Some installations might make you blush or stir a different kind of emotion, especially the disturbing ones like “Ajuma” Korean older women forcefully engaging with younger men sexually. Most visitors get excited to see the art installations; they will take pictures of the structures and be tempted to take funny and creative photos with them.
Loveland was the first of its nature to be established in Korea; however, various parks and museums of similar kinds have emerged, including the Trickeye Museum and Love Museum in Seoul.
If you are curious to know how art and eroticism intersect playfully and humorously, Jeju Loveland is a place to visit. Remember, entrance is only for those over 18.
Shanny’s Take on Loveland
My first visit to Loveland was quite weird and shocking. I come from a country/ culture where sex is considered sacred and not publicly displayed. Having lived in Korea for a while, I had learned and experienced Korean culture’s conservative nature. However, it was exciting and awkward at the same time to see this other side of Korea. When visiting, to prevent any awkwardness, go with a person you are comfortable with.
Operation hours
The park is open Sunday – Monday, from 09:00 to 12:00 (The last admission is 23: 00). You should give yourself 30-40 minutes to go through the park.
Admission Fee: Adults – 12,000 KRW
Getting to Loveland
Loveland is located 15 minutes from Jeju International Airport by drive.
Public Transport: You can take bus nos; 240, 456-1, 465-2 to Jeju Museum of Art bus stop and walk from there.
A taxi from the airport will cost you approximately 10,000KRW
Have you been to Jeju Loveland before? Let me know your thoughts.