Pohang's Space Walk: Korea's First Walkable Rollercoaster

There's a new art experience in South Korea, the “first and only walkable experience”. The Space Walk is a 250-meter rollercoaster that pedestrians can scale.

Welcome to Space Walk, South Korea’s Vertical Adventure

Space Walk is an unconventional rollercoaster experience, unlike any other. For starters, there are no trains or carts. Instead, the 250-meter structure is designed to be scaled by foot. There's no looping or thrilling drops like traditional rollercoasters. Each foot is the foundation of progress. The tallest point of Space Walk reaches just shy of 250 meters, comparable to a 80-story building. People move along the path on the frame of the rollercoaster itself, unlike a traditional rollercoaster. The installation combines the elements of a theme park thrill with an adrenaline-pumped hike, offering a structural view that pedestrians can climb and experience. The experience of ascending through this art installation is unique both in its thrill of ascent and focus on the structure itself. In many ways, Space Walk is more of an art exhibit than amusement park ride. There are no traditional safety measures like seatbelts or over-the-shoulder restraints. Participants must navigate the structure carefully to avoid falls and injuries. There is no metaphorical over-the-top emergency brake. Instead, the focus is on extreme height and its visceral, personal experience.

South Korea’s Celebration of Heights and Art

In the past five years, South Korea has seen a boom in tall buildings. From the Lotte World Tower, which is currently the fifth-tallest building in the world, to the World Trade Center Seoul, South Korea has been building up. Space Walk falls into this trend, which includes a walkable cable car up to the Busan Skybus tower and an observatory in the Seoul World Trade Center. Height became both a literal and figurative way to transcend day-to-day life. Like these attractions, Space Walk is a celebration of South Korea’s vertical identity: South Korea is home to a lot of skyscrapers, and is built to take elevation seriously.

Seeing South Korea from a Different Angle

Like walking on the moon or taking the bus on the streets of Seoul, a rollercoaster that is walkable is a testament to the country’s celebration of experience. Space Walk celebrates the heights of South Korea in a unique way.

Space Walk’s Eco-friendly Design

The walkable rollercoaster was built with sustainability top-of-mind. Space Walk is a stunning example of the mix between classic thrill rides and eco-friendly materials. The structure’s eco-friendly materials complement the natural surroundings of Hwanho Park.

Space Walk as a Public Art Installation

Sculpture Park, a network of sculptures across the South Korea, is a testament to its celebration of art. There are several large art installations that walkers can walk through in the surrounding Hwanho area. Space Walk is one of the few that visitors can walk on.

Space Walk’s Height

The structure ranges from zero to 250 meters in height. The highest point of the structure is 250 meters tall, but the lowest point of the rollercoaster ride is at ground level, offering visitors a unique experience of elevation. The unique design of Space Walk is an art installation in itself, with the structure’s unique design offering a thrilling and exhilarating experience.

Visiting Space Walk

• Location: Hwanho Park, Pohang, South Korea.
• Accessibility: Visitors are welcome to explore the Space Walk in Hwanho Park, Pohang. The park is well-connected by public transportation, and guided tours on the rollercoaster are available. Researching the best time to visit would mean checking the weather, as rain and strong winds could make the hike unsafe. On a clear day, viewing the entire park from such a height is an unparalleled experience.

Where Art Meets public Experience

Space Walk’s design showcases the South Korean culture: playful and fun. It’s playful, unexpected, and a massive addition to the Hwanho Park in Pohang. The simple structure of Space Walk is a testament to the culture of the country: dynamic and ever-changing. It’s also a testament to the fact that vertical landscapes aren’t just part of the lifestyle in South Korea—it’s a matter of pride and art.