Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land

How Masan Won Robot Land as Consolation for Losing the 2007 Innovation City Bid

Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land is a cultural complex combining the robotics industry and a theme park, developed in the area of Gubok-ri, Gusan-myeon, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (within the Gusan Marine Tourism Complex). It opened on September 7, 2019. The project began in 2007, when more than 14 local governments nationwide applied to attract an industry-linked theme park proposed by the government. Gyeongsangnam-do actively pursued the project to console Masan after it lost the competition to host an innovation city, and Masan was eventually selected, along with Incheon, as a preliminary Robot Land project operator.

The site covers 1,259,890 square meters, with the governor of Gyeongsangnam-do designated as the project manager. The total project cost was planned at 700 billion won. The project was divided between the public sector, which would build the Robot Research Center and Convention Center, and the private sector, which would build the theme park. The project period was set from 2009 to 2026. Robot Land was planned to include a Robot R&D Center, Convention Center, robot exhibition facilities, a theme park, and accommodation facilities.

From Ultra Construction’s Bankruptcy to Daewoo Engineering & Construction’s Resumption: 12 Years of Drifting

The project did not proceed smoothly even after the operator was selected. After drifting for a long time because no private operator could be found, the project began in 2010 under a contract with the Ultra Construction consortium, with an opening targeted for 2014. However, construction was suspended when Ultra Construction went bankrupt. A conflict also arose between Hong Jun-pyo, governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, and Ahn Sang-su, mayor of Changwon, over the selection of Daewoo Engineering & Construction as the replacement operator. The dispute escalated to the point where Gyeongsangnam-do declared that it would withdraw from the project.

After the conflict was resolved and Daewoo Engineering & Construction was selected as the operator, construction resumed in 2015. The project proceeded with a target opening in the first half of 2019, and August 14, 2019, was announced as the opening date. In effect, the park opened a full 12 years after the project was decided in 2007. An article covering the site shortly after opening introduced the giant “Guardian Robot” that welcomed visitors entering Robot Land before they enjoyed the rides. Local media presented the rapid-current attraction as “New Voyage” and the popular train-style ride as “Express Train.”

The 166.2 Billion-Won Lawsuit After Opening and the April 2024 Shift to Direct Operation

The troubles did not end after opening. The Phase 2 hotel, condominium, and pension accommodation project faced conflicts with the private Daewoo consortium over termination of the implementation agreement and litigation related to the transfer of ownership of the pension site, shortly before construction was scheduled to begin. The court sided with the private operator. Gyeongsangnam-do, Changwon-si, and the foundation completely lost the lawsuit seeking termination payments and other damages, and were ordered to pay the private operator 166.2 billion won, including operating costs and interest. The Audit Committee of Gyeongsangnam-do stated that the main causes of the defeat were an agreement modified to be overwhelmingly favorable to the private sector and delays in contributing one parcel of the pension site. It also announced plans to request disciplinary action against 34 public officials and file criminal complaints against nine related individuals, including private operators.

As a result, the theme park was donated to the foundation. The operating entity also changed several times. In 2020, the entrusted operating rights passed from Seoul Land to Children’s Grand Park Amusement Park, later known as Robot Park, before shifting to direct operation by the Gyeongnam Robot Land Foundation in 2024. Performance actually improved after the shift to direct operation. Visitor numbers at the Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land theme park continued to rise after the transition, reaching 480,000 visitors in 2024, the first year of direct operation, and 500,000 in 2025. Some 550,000 visitors are expected in 2026. The foundation sought to transform the park into a cultural-event hub by holding the Changwon Yacheol Marathon, the BNK Student Art Contest, corporate family events, and hospital social-contribution events in succession at the theme park.

December 2025 Re-Tender — Why Robot Land Without Accommodation Is Looking for Private Investors Again

Still carrying the burden of losing a lawsuit worth more than 160 billion won, Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land began seeking new private investors in December 2025. Benefiting from the stabilization of theme park operations, Gyeongsangnam-do is recruiting a private operator to develop, in conjunction with the theme park’s 30-year management and operating rights, a 35,000-pyeong tourism accommodation site that forms Phase 2 of the project. The reason for the tender is clear. Robot Land currently has no accommodation facilities, limiting it to attracting same-day events using the theme park and Convention Center.

Gyeongsangnam-do expects that the addition of tourism accommodation facilities such as hotels and condominiums will enable stay-based tourism while increasing visitor numbers and improving the revenue structure simultaneously. In the long term, it anticipates that once construction begins on National Route 5 between Geoje and Masan in 2026, Gusan Marine Tourism Complex and the Corporate Innovation Park in Jangmok-myeon, Geoje, will be connected into a single tourism and industrial belt centered on Masan Robot Land. To avoid repeating the failures of the past, the province plans to strengthen procedures, including feasibility assessments and reviews of the implementation agreement, to increase private operators’ accountability. Visitors should therefore be prepared for the possibility of continued facility changes in the future.

1.26 Million Square Meters in Bandong-ri and Gubok-ri, Gusan-myeon — From Rides to an R&D Center

Robot Land is not simply an amusement park. Located at 250 Robot Land-ro, Gusan-myeon, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Bandong-ri), it is a provincial theme park centered on robots as well as a comprehensive robot-related research promotion complex. It was developed as a mixed-use facility containing research facilities, experience facilities, a theme park, and accommodation facilities, with a total project cost of 700 billion won (56 billion won in national funds, 100 billion won in provincial funds, 110 billion won in city funds, and 434 billion won in private investment). As the world’s first robot-themed park, it consists of rides, robot experiences, and robot viewing facilities. Tourism organization materials introduce its 11 robot experience rooms as providing enjoyment distinct from conventional theme parks.

The range of rides is also extensive. Reviews describe a diverse lineup including a robot exhibition hall, more than 20 attractions, outdoor performances, and hands-on exhibition halls. The water ride is described as a water roller coaster similar to Gyeongju World’s Summerlin Splash, but with a roller-coaster track; its defining feature is that riders get completely soaked after a single ride. Public-sector facilities are also present. The Robot Research Center is an advanced research facility for robot technology R&D and corporate support, serving as a core hub of the robotics industry ecosystem. The Convention Center is used as a multipurpose cultural space capable of hosting international conferences, exhibitions, and seminars. In winter, recognizing the lack of seasonal content, the park installed a snow sledding area and a 60-meter snow-tube slope and operated them through February 15, as recorded in 2021.

For reference, a project with the same name was also pursued in Incheon, but its character is different. Because Gyeongnam Masan Robot Land was developed earlier and had a strong theme park function, and because problems arose there, Incheon Robot Land reduced its theme park function and expanded its industrial and research facilities. In this sense, the Masan site is the only Robot Land in Korea that has retained the form of an amusement park.

10:00–18:00 Tuesday–Friday, 10:00–20:00 on Weekends — Actual Operating Hours and Admission Prices

Operating hours vary by day. The park operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. Ticket sales close one hour before closing, and the park is closed every Monday. For inquiries, call 055-214-6000. The official website is robot-land.co.kr. Admission prices have varied by period. During the October 2019 opening-anniversary discount event, a one-day pass cost 42,000 won for adults, 38,000 won for teenagers, and 34,000 won for children. An afternoon pass, available from 4 p.m., cost 29,000 won for adults, 27,000 won for teenagers, and 24,000 won for children. Children under 36 months were admitted free with proof of age. Prices were adjusted several times afterward, and according to a blog summary from September 2025, an all-attractions pass cost 25,000 won for adults and 19,000 won for children. Recent booking platforms also allow visitors to choose an all-day or afternoon pass by adult or child category, and continue to state that infants under 36 months may enter free with proof of age. Prices often change according to the season and promotions, so it is safest to check the official website again shortly before visiting.

Discount partnerships are also occasionally offered. In 2022, BC Card holders could receive a 50% discount for themselves and 30% for one companion when purchasing an all-attractions pass or admission ticket, regardless of their previous-month spending or card type. A package partnership was also introduced with the Grand Mercure Ambassador Changwon Hotel in the same Changwon area. During event periods, promotions may offer benefits when visitors present the official Instagram account follow screen and documents proving that they are teenagers at the on-site ticket counter.

Information is also available for wheelchair and stroller users. According to accessible tourism information, the site has disabled parking, step-free access to the entrance, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Strollers can be rented, and a nursing room is available.

Buses 62, 64, and 65: a 20-Minute Walk vs. Bus 64-1: Direct Stop — A Practical Public Transit Guide

Convenience varies considerably by route when traveling by public transportation. Since June 10, 2023, bus 64 has provided access to Robot Land, and since August 26, 2023, bus 65 has also terminated at Robot Land during certain time periods. Since April 27, 2024, bus 3005 has been extended to Robot Land on weekends and public holidays only. However, the practical difference between routes is significant. Bus 64-1 goes directly into the parking lot at the Robot Land entrance, while buses 62 and 64 require passengers to get off at Yangpyeong Bus Stop and walk for more than 20 minutes.

Service intervals are not generous either. Although there is no officially fixed timetable, a February 2026 visit report states that buses 62 and 64 run approximately once an hour, while bus 64-1 operates only three times a day on public holidays. The same report said that getting to the park was easy but returning was difficult because no taxi could be found. Since buses are infrequent, the repeated advice is to use the free shuttle bus listed on the website when visiting by public transportation. A separate parking lot is available for car users, and visitor reviews often praise the spacious parking area and easy access.

Free Shuttle Bus from Kyungnam University: How to Ride Without a Timetable

Teenagers and visitors dependent on public transportation can travel free of charge by shuttle bus from Kyungnam University to Robot Land. However, the number of services has varied by period. A 2022 article reported that the shuttle bus between Kyungnam University and Robot Land, intended mainly for the convenience of teenagers who use public transportation, operated once on weekdays and twice on weekends. A visit report from early 2026 stated that the free shuttle from Kyungnam University to Robot Land ran two or three times a day. The specific timetable confirmed by one visitor report stated that buses departed from Kyungnam University for Robot Land at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and from Robot Land for Kyungnam University at 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.; additional departures were added when the park closed at 9 p.m.

However, shuttle timetables continue to change according to the season and park operating hours, so visitors should note that departure times vary and consult the website. Although the route passing through Myeongju Village once had its origin and destination changed to Robot Land, express bus 801 between Masan and Changwon stopped passing through Robot Land from December 2, 2019, because of declining ridership due to COVID-19. Travelers without a private car and with limited time will find it much more reliable to plan their schedule around the shuttle times than to wait for infrequent buses.

A Half-Day Course Combined with Changdong Art Village and the Moonshin Art Museum

Robot Land is somewhat far from downtown Masan, so visitors often divide their itinerary into half-days and combine it with downtown attractions rather than filling an entire day at the park. Changdong Art Village is located at 24 Odongseo 6-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. Its exhibition halls and art shops are closed every Monday, while private workshops operate independently. Inquiries can be made at 055-222-2155. The nearby Changwon Municipal Moonshin Art Museum is located at 147 Moonshin-gil, Masanhappo-gu. It operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed every Monday, January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, and the day of Chuseok. Admission costs 500 won for adults and 200 won for teenagers and children. The telephone number is 055-225-7181.

Restaurants and cafés are concentrated in downtown Masanhappo-gu. Jinjjachogajip Wonjo Agujjim, a restaurant specializing in spicy braised monkfish, is located at 8-2 Odongnam 3-gil. Brown Hands Masan, which serves coffee and fruit tea, is located at 109 Gaposunhwan-ro and can be contacted at 055-243-0050. After visiting Robot Land, heading into downtown to visit these places allows travelers to experience the atmosphere of old downtown Masan without greatly lengthening their travel route.

Parking, Barrier-Free Facilities, and What Visitors Repeatedly Mention

Recent reviews on booking platforms are generally favorable. Summaries often note that the park is suitable for family visits and especially popular with customers accompanied by children. Visitors frequently mention the variety of rides and experience areas, as well as the convenience of having a wide selection of restaurants and snack stands.

There are also details that first-time visitors may easily overlook. Early reviews described the park as an amusement park that excites attraction enthusiasts who enjoy completing a “stamp challenge” of the scariest rides across Korea. Some rides are quite intense, so families with young children should check height restrictions and ride intensity in advance. Conversely, for travelers relying solely on public transportation, the previously mentioned service intervals and walking sections can be real obstacles. Visiting without coordinating a private car or shuttle timetable in advance is therefore not recommended.