KartRider! Meeting You Here... This Is 'Racing World'

Lotte World Opens 'World Kart Racing' in Collaboration with Nexon

'World Kart Racing' opened on the 1st floor of Lotte World Adventure

Lotte World has opened "World Kart Racing," a theme park attraction based on Nexon's "KartRider." The photo shows visitors enjoying the World Kart Racing game. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yongjun Cho]Dao, Baekji, Dijini, Marid, Uni, and other cute and friendly characters hop onto adorable karts and start racing. Dao, a righteous and traditional driver, enjoys racing fairly and claims victory.

This is the story of Nexon's online racing game KartRider, which races through dazzling streets. Released in 2004, KartRider elevated the online racing game genre from a niche to a mainstream national game. Last week, it appeared offline at a large theme park, allowing players to enjoy KartRider beyond PC and mobile. Sitting in a simulator shaped like a driver's seat, players can experience immersive racing on a giant screen alongside others, delivering a realistic racing experience.

Lotte World has opened a new attraction called 'World Kart Racing' on the first floor of Adventure, where visitors can enjoy Nexon's popular game 'KartRider' offline. Players can now sit in a driver’s seat simulator and enjoy vivid racing, which was previously only available online.

The attraction features two zones accessible to all ages: 'Circuit Racing,' which recreates the environment of an actual racing track for a unique thrill, and 'Family Racing,' where children and guardians can ride a kart together.

First, 'Circuit Racing' is a game where up to eight players race simultaneously in a circular arena decorated with KartRider characters.

It incorporates the Sim Racing system, which has recently gained attention in eSports, allowing players to experience a realistic game similar to an actual racing competition.

Sim Racing, short for 'Simulation Racing System,' reflects the texture of real tracks, pedal sensitivity, and vehicle characteristics to provide a racing experience close to reality.

There is also 'Family Racing' for families. In this content, a guardian and child sit together in a motion chair that moves along with the kart on screen. The guardian can drive the kart on screen using a joypad, making it perfect for families with young children who find it difficult to play actively.

'Circuit Racing' is available for riders taller than 130 cm, while 'Family Racing' has no special restrictions and is open to everyone. Additionally, this summer, various Lotte World contents will be featured within the 'KartRider' game, so KartRider enthusiasts can look forward to it.

Park Misook, Head of Marketing, said, "Through collaboration with Nexon's highly popular 'KartRider,' we have vividly brought the virtual (PC) KartRider experience into a theme park attraction, offering the MZ generation a unique experience. Lotte World will continue to provide new fun and enjoyment through various collaborations reflecting current trends."

To celebrate the opening of World Kart Racing, Lotte World is holding various events. Until the 1st of next month, a 'Start, World Kart Racing!' promotion offers up to 50% discount on comprehensive admission tickets.

This promotion is only available for purchase through the KartRider homepage or the 'KartRider Rush Plus' app via the guide popup. Additionally, all Samsung Card members can get up to 60% off for online reservations made at least one day before the visit during June, and up to 55% off for online reservations via Payco.

Despite the COVID-19 situation, Lotte World is committed to the highest level of hygiene to ensure visitors can use the facilities safely. Entry requires temperature checks using thermal cameras and either electronic or manual entry logs.

After entry, masks must be worn in all indoor spaces except when dining. Staff regularly remind visitors to wear masks and maintain social distancing through announcements. The park is disinfected in sections before opening and after closing. During operating hours, frequently touched areas such as waiting lines, escalators, and elevators are thoroughly disinfected.

For attractions, safety bars and handles are disinfected after each operation before allowing the next riders. Distance guide lines are marked every 2 meters on waiting line floors. Central barriers are installed on the overbridge to Magic Island and the main bridge to prevent unnecessary contact between visitors.

Before and after parades and performances, social distancing is enforced, and the Garden Stage seating capacity is reduced to about 30% of the usual to ensure safety.

Reporter Yongjun Cho jun21@