Everland Marks 50th Anniversary With Eco-Friendly Safari and Global Circus Collaboration

Everland celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 with an eco friendly Safari World, the Wings of Memory circus, and a record breaking Tulip Festival in Yongin.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 4:52 AM EDT

Source: The Korea Times

A Significant Shift Toward Animal Welfare in Safari World

As Everland enters its fifth decade, the park has fundamentally redesigned its iconic Safari World to prioritize the biological needs and behaviors of its predators. After a year of preparation, the reopened attraction allows visitors to observe eight species, including tigers, lions, brown bears, and hyenas, in habitats specifically styled after their natural environments. Tigers now inhabit a simulated Korean forest, while lions roam an expanded, open savanna.

According to David Chung, director of the Everland zoo, the renovation focuses on "animal welfare," incorporating water elements and hidden food enrichment to stimulate natural hunting instincts. This ecological shift is complemented by a new fleet of eco-friendly electric buses. The silent operation of these vehicles reduces stress for the animals and narrows the psychological gap between observers and the wild. Additionally, the new bus fleet has increased capacity by 1.6 times, significantly reducing waiting times for park guests.

Narrative Storytelling with "Wings of Memory" Circus

Broadening its entertainment portfolio, Everland has launched "Wings of Memory," an original circus production created in a 1.5-year collaboration with the renowned Canadian company Cirque Eloize. Unlike traditional variety-style circuses, this 40-minute show integrates high-level acrobatics—such as contortion, aerial pole, and Russian swing—into a cohesive, narrative-driven plot designed to appeal to both children and adults.

The production features international artists with experience in Cirque du Soleil, ensuring a high technical standard. An Everland official noted that the transition to a story-based performance marks a departure from mechanical stunt-based shows, aiming instead for an emotional connection with the audience. The circus operates twice daily and serves as a cornerstone of the park’s 50th-anniversary entertainment strategy.