Zombies invade ancient capital: Gyeongju Expo Grand Park's 'EX-HORROR Season 6' opens Saturday

Gyeongju, the ancient capital with a thousand years of history, is about to be overrun by zombies this summer.

The North Gyeongsang Province Culture and Tourism Corporation announced that EX-HORROR Season 6: Silla X Zombie — one of South Korea's premier outdoor horror experiences — will run from Saturday through Aug. 30 at Hwarang Forest (Lumina Night) inside Gyeongju Expo Grand Park.

This year's edition pairs the history of the ancient Silla kingdom with a zombie storyline to deliver a more intense horror experience than previous seasons.

The narrative begins when an unidentified Silla gold crown is discovered in Hwarang Forest. After the artifact is unearthed, an entire investigation team vanishes, leaving behind only traces suggesting that something that should never have been disturbed has been awakened.

Participants take on the role of search-and-rescue personnel sent to find the missing team, tracking clues in the dark and completing missions to uncover the truth inside a zombie-occupied forest.

Horror set pieces and missions built around the actual forest terrain will be staged throughout the venue, with actors delivering live performances designed to heighten immersion.

Organizers say the fusion of a Silla-era historical backdrop with zombie content is designed to create tension and thrills that set this season apart from earlier installments.

A range of side programs tied to the horror theme will also run during the event — including food and beverage stalls, horror merchandise booths and horror makeup experiences — with vendors selected through an open recruitment process.

Operating hours are 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

The event is open to all ages, though participation is restricted for elderly visitors, pregnant women and those with heart conditions. Children not yet of school age must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

Kim Nam-il, president of the North Gyeongsang Province Culture and Tourism Corporation, said attention to Gyeongju is growing as the city prepares to host international events including the APEC Summit and the PATA Annual Conference. "We will continue to present differentiated content and nighttime tourism programs that capture Gyeongju's unique history and culture, doing our utmost to boost overnight tourism and support the local economy," he said.