Skyline Luge opens second site in Korea
Skyline Luge Busan
Once is not enough as Skyline Luge opened its second Korean site in Busan on July 3, 2021. Skyline Luge Busan, which sits atop natural rolling hills offering spectacular panoramic views of Busan’s coastline, is adjacent to Lotte’s Magic Forest which is scheduled to open later this summer. Just a short distance from Osiria Station, the area has transformed into a must-see entertainment destination with Skyline Luge being the epicenter of fun for all.
The new location follows the firm’s Skyline Luge Tongyeong site, which opened in early 2017.
“The Tongyeong site has been really, really successful for us and we were very pleasantly surprised to hit a million luge rides in the first year, which is pretty exciting for us,” said James Thomas, General Manager International Luge Operations. “It’s gone from strength to strength and has shown that Koreans have an appetite for something like a Luge experience.”
Main building
In anticipating the success of the Busan site over the next year, Mr. Thomas remarked, “We’ve got a fantastic new Skyline Luge experience and a very large population right on our doorstep in beautiful Busan, so we expect to see some great numbers”
Skyline Luge is underpinned by Kiwi innovation, deep knowledge and experience – all of which makes Skyline the authentic luge. According to its website, “The Luge cart is a classic story of Kiwi inventiveness born out of opportunity and curiosity. It’s a story filled with personalities, hard work, failure, determination, success and most of all, fun.”
Luge team meeting
“Skyline Luge is a unique adventure suitable for all ages and was invented by Skyline in New Zealand over 35 years ago. We’ve actually hosted over 50 million luge rides worldwide,” noted Dean Johnson, General Manager, Skyline Luge Busan. “Skyline Busan itself is the seventh Skyline-branded site. We have sites in New Zealand, Korea, Canada and Singapore, along with other sites on the horizon, so please watch this space.”
Skyline Luge carts
On arrival at the park, the journey begins. Guests visit the ticket booths to purchase their rides and then make their way over to the four-seat chairlift for a ride to the top where the fun-filled action starts. The observation deck offers views of the natural surroundings, including the coastline, which make Busan a special place to visit.
Four-seat chairlift
After receiving a tutorial from trained specialists on luge operation and safety, riders are off to the races. There are four tracks to choose from, all of which offer riders tunnels, twists, turns and excitement at every corner. At the bottom, riders can see their photo finish, visit the merchandise store and enjoy refreshments and local snacks at the convenience store across from the ticket booths.
Once is never enough!
“Skyline Luge is a unique experience where riders have full control going down one of our purpose-built tracks,” explained Mr. Johnson. “It is gravity fueled and it is on one of our uniquely built luge carts.”
“Every time I see somebody going down the luge site they are hopping off with a big smile on their face,” said Mr. Thomas. “We used to sell a one ride ticket and people would come up and do the luge and say that was brilliant – why would I only do one? Once is Never Enough!”
Riders racing
Over the last five years Skyline has made a significant investment in Korea, demonstrating its commitment to the local market.
“This is New Zealand’s largest investment in Korea. They are the world’s best luge designers and operators,” said Philip Turner, New Zealand Ambassador to Korea.
Dr. Tony Garrett, Chairman, The Kiwi Chamber, added, “I think Tongyeong and the Busan sites will definitely demonstrate to us the inspiration and innovation that Skyline Luge can bring to the Korean market.”
Twists, turns and excitement at every corner
The popularity of the luge concept in Korea has increased significantly over the last several years, with numerous sites popping up year-on-year. “You find luge pretty much everywhere in Korea at the moment. That’s just representative of the popularity of the activity itself,” said Min Jang, Marketing Manager, Skyline Luge Busan. “We are also aiming to become the best luge in the world, not only the first.”
“I think that the credibility that we bring to Korea as the originator of the luge is very strong for us. And, we have found that we have been approached by numerous parties, not just in Korea but around the world, and I think that’s a compliment to the fact that we are the original,” added Mr. Thomas.
(from left) Dean, Min and James
“They invented the luge ride or the cart. The team at Skyline really take the time to ensure the safety and that it is planned properly, and then the great Kiwi experience that you get with Skyline,” explained Stephen Blair, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Korea.
In offering advice to Kiwi investors looking to enter the Korean market, Thomas opined, “I would recommend other Kiwi firms to do business in Korea. The opportunities are endless really and it’s a fantastic market to get into.”
Four tracks to choose from
The Kiwi Chamber, as part of its Inspire with Innovation Series, visited Skyline Luge Busan prior to its opening to conduct interviews and film some shots for a North Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence-sponsored video highlighting Skyline’s experiences in Korea to date, the opening of Skyline Luge Busan and what guests and riders can expect when taking part in the thrill of the luge. If not already on your list of fun things to do in Korea, then this is a must add.
Please check out our video at: https://youtu.be/RDD4fYU_fJ4
For more information on Skyline Luge Busan, please visit:
스카이라인루지 부산 / 대한민국 / 가족 모두가 즐길 수 있습니다 (skylineluge.kr)
