Sports Monster blends traditional sports with digital gaming, offering an indoor experience that appeals to children, teens and adults. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
At the heart of Starfield Mall in Goyang, west of Seoul, Sports Monster blends traditional sports with digital gaming, offering an indoor experience that appeals to children, teens and adults.
Since opening in 2016, the indoor complex has provided more than 30 physical and virtual activities, including trampolines, basketball dunk zones and a simulated rock-climbing wall.
Digital offerings range from rhythm games and motion-based soccer to immersive virtual reality stations.
The facility, entirely indoors, is designed to accommodate South Korea’s unpredictable weather. The space caters to a range of ages and energy levels, with staff stationed throughout to assist guests and ensure safety, allowing parents to shop or relax nearby.
Climbing walls and a jumping tower await guests in the harnessed activity zone at Sports Monster in Goyang, South Korea. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
The 360 Swing offers a full-body rotation at Sports Monster in Goyang, South Korea. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
A towering vertical drop slide stands ready for thrill-seekers at Sports Monster in Goyang, South Korea. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
Though not all staff speak fluent English, employees are known for being approachable and enthusiastic, helping guide patrons and maintaining a family-friendly environment.
Weekday afternoons tend to be the least crowded, allowing for shorter waits and more time at each attraction.
A standout feature is the VR baseball pitching game, a fast-paced, intuitive option that attracts both children and adults.
Admission is tiered by time and duration. A two-hour pass costs 26,000 won (about $19) during the off-peak periods and 30,000 won during peak periods. One-hour passes are available for 17,000 won and 19,000 won, respectively.
For military families, this attraction offers an affordable, interactive way to explore Korea’s evolving recreation landscape.
On the QT
Directions: Inside the Starfield Mall in Goyang, South Korea. Google Plus code: JVWV+C5 Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Times: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Costs: A two-hour pass costs 26,000 won (about $19) during the off-peak periods and 30,000 won during popular times. One-hour passes are available for 17,000 won and 19,000 won, respectively.
Food: Starfield Mall boasts a plethora of options.
Information: 82-1668-4832
