Hello!

I’m 피스타임, a Nexon Picker.

May 5 is Children’s Day!

It’s a public holiday when every child should be free to play to their heart’s content.

Yet while many children want to play, few reportedly get the chance.

South Korea, in particular, ranks among the lowest in the OECD for children’s playtime.

Have you heard of 단풍잎 놀이터?

It’s a community initiative from Nexon’s MapleStory and the Nexon Foundation.

To give children safe, enjoyable places to play while nurturing their imagination and physical health,

the project renovates aging public playgrounds or builds new ones.

Following openings in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in December 2024 and Uijeongbu in April 2025,

the 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터 opened at Seoul Children’s Grand Park on April 18.

As a Nexon Picker, I simply had to see it for myself.

To bring you a firsthand account,

I wasted no time heading over, taking a 4-hour train ride followed by 1 hour on the subway.

Visiting the 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터: Getting There

Here’s where to find the 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터 on the map of Seoul Children’s Grand Park.

Its central location makes it fairly easy to find,

but I’ll also share a few tips I picked up during my visit.

I entered through the rear gate, on the east side of the map.

The path led straight ahead, so finding my way was straightforward.

It was around 6 in the evening, but spring had arrived and the days were getting longer,

so thankfully there was still plenty of sunlight when I visited.

There are signs throughout Children’s Grand Park to help you find your way.

They also point you toward 단풍잎 놀이터.

I spotted a mushroom house in an area under construction,

and mushrooms are, of course, a symbol of MapleStory.

Could this be 단풍잎 놀이터…? Not quite.

It was Mushroom Village, so I had the mushrooms right, but not the playground.

Keep heading straight, and you’ll see Palgakdang.

There’s a kids’ café here, too, making it another good place for children to play.

Our destination, 단풍잎 놀이터, is a little farther along.

Continue along the walking path,

and 단풍잎 놀이터 finally comes into view.

Here it is—the 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터!

It had only been open for 1 week, but word had clearly spread,

with plenty of families already out enjoying the playground.

A Look Around the 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터

The first stop is the Orange Mushroom World photo spot.

Rock Spirit, Pink Bean, and Orange Mushroom are gathered together, ready for photos.

Everyone was stopping to take pictures, so I only just managed to get a shot myself.

Perhaps it’s because these monsters are such recognizable symbols of MapleStory,

but many people passing by spotted them and stopped to take a look.

Children were drawn to their adorable looks,

while adults couldn’t resist the memories of MapleStory they brought back.

Each section of the playground has information and safety guidelines posted like these.

Having fun matters, but safety comes first,

so parents and guardians should be sure to read them.

Orange Mushroom World is for ages 3~9.

These are the Orange Mushroom Stepping Stones.

Children can practice making their way safely across, one step at a time.

They weren’t especially busy, though, thanks to a popular attraction right next door.

The attraction in question? The trampolines.

Several small trampolines are set up here,

and the children were having a wonderful time bouncing away.

A few students were jumping too, which made me consider giving it a try,

but this is a playground for children! I left them to enjoy it.

Next is Rock Spirit World.

Designed for ages 3~12, it’s a good place for slightly older children to play as well.

This area features the Rock Spirit Mound Maze,

which children can treat as their own little hideout as they play.

There are also swings, but the children were happily using them, so I couldn’t get a photo.

If another child is waiting, encourage yours to take turns by getting off after 20 swings!

It’s also worth noting that the far-left swing is an accessible swing that anyone can use.

The sand play area in the center caught my attention,

and I learned that it’s called the Maple Leaf Rest Area.

A canopy offers shade from the heat for parents and guardians, too,

so why not join your children for some fun in the sand?

Finally, there’s Pink Bean World.

You could call it the signature attraction of the 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터,

and it’s designed for the oldest age group here, ages 5~12.

This area features a variety of Pink Bean-themed play equipment.

With slides, rings, a net resting area, a double slide, and more,

there was plenty I would have rushed to try if I were a child.

In fact, it looked like something I’d enjoy even now,

but I resisted the temptation—for the sake of children’s right to play.

I had my dignity as an adult to consider, too.

The 3rd 단풍잎 놀이터 has a few other interesting features.

There are various play activities throughout the space,

and, remarkably, the posted suggestions for ways to play were developed

with the very children who helped design the playground.

People are creative by nature, as the saying goes.

Here at a playground created with children,

why not imagine some new ways to play together?

There’s also a convenience store right next door,

so it’s easy to grab a quick meal when you’re hungry or take a break.

If you visit Seoul Children’s Grand Park, be sure to stop by!

It’s a must-visit, especially if you’re bringing children.

This is 피스타임, your Nexon Picker, signing off.