One Piece Water Park Exhibition Opens in Jeju, South Korea

A former water park in Jeju, South Korea, has been reimagined as "All Blue," a nautical-themed immersive exhibition inspired by the popular manga and anime series One Piece. The "One Piece Great Pirate Era Asia Tour in Jeju" opened on July 4th in Seogwipo City, offering visitors a unique experience walking through ankle-deep water to explore iconic locations from the series.

The exhibition, a collaboration between Dotmill and Incubase Studio, is described as Korea's first "water media" immersive display. One Piece, which began serialization in 1997, boasts over 600 million copies in circulation worldwide and generates an estimated 1.26 trillion won annually in related business. Visitors are greeted with the Korean opening theme song of the anime, "Our Dream" by Koyote, upon arriving at the Jeju World Cup Stadium.

The journey begins at "Loguetown," the "street of beginning and end," where a map of the Straw Hat Pirates' voyage is displayed alongside navigational tools. A key moment here is the reenactment of Gol D. Roger's execution, accompanied by a dramatic quote and the introduction of water, symbolizing the start of the adventure. This setting reflects the ironic narrative of a life beginning and ending in the same place, a point of discussion among fans.

Moving to "Grand Line Beach," the exhibition fully utilizes water with a wave pool about 20cm deep, creating a dynamic environment. The surrounding walls feature detailed media art depicting waves crashing, enhancing the sense of being on the unpredictable seas of the Grand Line, where compasses malfunction and weather shifts rapidly. The original sauna floor has been preserved, offering a non-slip surface.

“

Find it well. I left the whole world there.

"Skypiea" offers a sensory experience with artificial flowers and a floral scent, contrasting with the cooler atmosphere of previous sections. This island, made of solidified clouds called Vearth, holds a somber story within its beauty. It's where Nico Robin finds a Poneglyph, a key to uncovering the world's hidden history, after her homeland was destroyed. Visitors linger here, touching the clouds and contemplating the hidden narrative.

The exhibition also features "Impel Down," "Marineford," and "Fish-Man Island" within a 200-meter water channel. Visitors navigate through prison bars and high walls, encountering a statue of Ace awaiting execution. This section simulates the desperation of Luffy's prison break, a pivotal event leading to the climactic Marineford battle. The "Marineford" and "3D2Y" areas offer a different mood, reflecting the crew's separation and two-year training period after immense loss. Despite the war's tragedy, this space is designed with warm sunlight, gardens, and benches, symbolizing the need for rest and recovery.

"Fish-Man Island" elicits the most enthusiastic response, with water jets creating a dynamic spectacle. A prominent statue of Princess Shirahoshi, an ogress confined due to deep-seated discrimination between humans and fish-men, stands at the end of the area. The dimly lit space with frequent water jets and obstacles symbolizes the princess's long-held loneliness and the challenges she endured.

“

It feels like I've come to paradise.