Hello.

This post focuses on children’s right to play through a look at the Maple Leaf Playgrounds, which Nexon and MapleStory continue to open as part of their social contribution efforts to support that right.

When the first playground was announced quite some time ago, I wondered how long the initiative would last. Since then, it has received a positive response, and a third playground has already opened. It is encouraging to see the project expand, with signs that it will continue.

Children’s Right to Play

The Maple Leaf Playground project aims to help promote children’s right to play.

The project is based on the idea that children should be guaranteed the right to run and play freely in spacious outdoor areas, such as playgrounds and parks, rather than simply being encouraged to do so. This principle is internationally recognized and enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Running and playing with others in open spaces during childhood can have a significant positive impact on later life. This is why outdoor play has been recognized as a right, going beyond the familiar advice that “it is good for children to play actively outdoors.”

In Korea, childhood play tends to be viewed more negatively, and children’s average playtime reportedly ranks among the lowest in OECD countries. I hope that changing these perceptions will give more children the opportunity to enjoy healthy, active play.

Alongside these attitudes, a shortage of spaces for active play has also been identified as a contributing factor. A lack of playgrounds—a primary setting for outdoor play—or aging facilities creates safety concerns and hinders efforts to support children’s right to play.

To address these issues, Nexon and MapleStory launched the Maple Leaf Playground initiative in 2024. The project has expanded steadily, with the first location opening on December 11, 2024, the second on May 8, 2025, and the third just a few days ago, on April 20, 2026.

How Maple Leaf Playgrounds Are Created and Why They Matter

Maple Leaf Playground No. 1: Nadeuri Children’s Playground, Seongnam-dong, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do

Maple Leaf Playground No. 2: Haneulbit Children’s Park, Singok-dong, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do

The Maple Leaf Playgrounds share the following features:

1) Aging playgrounds are redesigned and fitted with new facilities to create safe, functional play spaces.

• No. 1: Nadeuri Children’s Playground → Maple Leaf Playground No. 1

• No. 2: Haneulbit Children’s Park → Maple Leaf Playground No. 2

• No. 3: Seoul Children’s Grand Park → Maple Leaf Playground No. 3

2) During construction, a group of children known as the “Maple Leaf Warriors” helps shape the playgrounds through several rounds of feedback.

3) The playgrounds are designed on a large scale, with ample space and a wide range of facilities so that many children can play and enjoy varied activities.

Play structures at Maple Leaf Playground No. 1

The track at Maple Leaf Playground No. 2

4) The playgrounds incorporate Pink Bean, Rock Spirit, and Orange Mushroom, whose designs appeal even to visitors unfamiliar with MapleStory. Hidden game elements add visual interest and opportunities for fun, while MapleStory background music brings sound into the experience.

These efforts have led to a notable improvement in satisfaction ratings following the conversion of existing playgrounds into Maple Leaf Playgrounds. The second location was also named one of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Outstanding Children’s Play Facilities for ’25.

Maple Leaf Playground No. 3 Opens

Maple Leaf Playground No. 3: Seoul Children’s Grand Park, 216 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

Building on this positive reception, Maple Leaf Playground No. 3 opened at Seoul Children’s Grand Park a few days ago, on April 20, 2026. The approximately 750-pyeong site features 3 thoughtfully designed zones, with 1 dedicated to each of the signature mascots Pink Bean, Rock Spirit, and Orange Mushroom, all popular for their charming appearance.

Image source: Nexon Foundation’s official Instagram

With a large Pink Bean play structure, 5 slides, 4 swings, and 5 trampolines, the playground provides plenty of room for many children to play at once. The Maple Leaf Rest Area also gives parents and guardians a place to relax while their children play. With May bringing better weather and a holiday break around Children’s Day, the transformed space offers an enjoyable destination for adults and children alike.

Image source: Nexon Foundation’s official Instagram

As noted above, the evaluations conducted so far also reflect this positive response. I hope to see more initiatives that make this kind of positive impact.

Image source: Nexon Foundation’s official Instagram

Finally, the event shown above is currently running on the Nexon Foundation’s official Instagram account. If you are interested, consider taking part before it ends.

Thank you for reading.