Giant Media Art 'UZU DREAM' Emerges as a Landmark Attraction

“It was the most exciting family vacation this summer!”

Over 10,000 visitors in just two weeks since opening.

Unaffected by heatwaves or heavy rain, the attraction combines private space tourism, water play, and a grand café, quickly establishing itself as a leading cultural tourism destination in Korea.

“I got to enjoy both water play with my grandparents, parents, and cousins, and also a space journey. It was the most exciting holiday of my summer vacation,” said 7-year-old visitor Yang Seo-in from Cheonan, after experiencing UZU DREAM at the Joongheung Gold Spa & Resort in Naju on August 17. “Wearing a sparkling spacesuit and boarding a spaceship made me feel like a real astronaut. It was so nice to create precious memories with my grandparents in a cool, comfortable place instead of the sweltering outdoors.”

Since its opening on August 3, UZU DREAM—the nation’s first private space tourism-themed media art exhibition—has quickly gained recognition as a regional cultural landmark. According to Joongheung Group, over 10,000 visitors had already experienced the attraction by August 18. The Independence Day holiday period (August 15–18), overlapping with school vacations and summer holidays, drew large crowds eager to enjoy both water play and cultural activities under one roof.

The secret to UZU DREAM’s success lies in its ability to provide a multifaceted cultural experience, regardless of Korea’s unpredictable weather of heatwaves and sudden heavy rain. Visitors can enjoy not only space travel but also water activities, a large café, and views of Naju Lake. Above all, it fulfills a universal dream—boarding a spaceship and exploring the unknown—capturing the curiosity of both children and adults.

This large-scale media art exhibition offers visitors an imaginative journey across vast cosmic landscapes under the concept of Korea’s first private space travel experience. The exhibition was directed by award-winning media artist Cho Hong-rai (Paul C.), who has received all three of the world’s top design awards (iF, Red Dot, IDEA).

Inside the expansive exhibition hall, visitors pass through 11 themed zones, from a spaceport to spaceships and planets, immersing themselves in a journey that transcends space and time. The entrance features an arch-shaped tunnel that resembles an airport departure gate, reinforcing the sense of setting out on a trip abroad. With a special space passport in hand, visitors board spaceship NJ-083, which provides a two-minute simulated flight. As visuals reminiscent of time and space unfold outside the windows, the sensation of real interstellar travel fills the cabin, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead.

The ultimate destinations are five unique planets: Elysion, Chronotera, Cosmo Eye, Aquata, and Florasphere. Each planet presents distinct scenery, encounters with alien life, and extraordinary experiences that make the journey unlike any other.

1. ELYSION

The first planet visitors encounter is Elysion, a realm where they can interact with alien deep-sea creatures and experience mysterious light. Passing through a sacred temple inscribed with the legends of the Elysion species, travelers arrive at a surreal beach landscape where giant jellyfish await. These enormous jellyfish recognize the faces of visitors and project a personalized jellyfish image onto vast walls. By speaking into a microphone, words are transformed into an alien language, allowing direct communication with extraterrestrial beings.

2. CHRONOTERA

The second planet, Chronotera, presents human civilization from ancient times to the far future, centered around the sun and river. Here, the light of the sun and the flowing streams symbolize the blossoming of civilizations across time, metaphorically representing another Earth within the cosmos.

3. COSMO EYE

The third destination is Cosmo Eye, an artificial planet created by a collective of AI. Inside, visitors are immersed in an artistic world shaped by the harmonious interplay of mechanical light and sound. At the center of the planet stands the all-controlling A-EYE, whose dazzling beauty captivates every traveler.

4. AQUATA

Next is Aquata, the planet of water. Visitors step barefoot into shallow water, where vibrant visuals and immersive storytelling unfold across the surface. Entirely covered in water, the planet allows travelers to send and receive signals, communicating with alien life through this elemental medium.

5. FLORA SPHERE

The final destination is Flora Sphere, a luminous cosmic garden. Here, travelers walk through radiant tunnels and gardens of light, concluding their space journey. With umbrellas scattered throughout the space, hidden media images appear in the shadows, revealing secret worlds within the garden.

At the end of the exhibition, visitors can relax at Café Dear’s, reflecting on their cosmic journey. The café offers panoramic views of Naju Lake and the water park at Joongheung Gold Spa—making it a favorite spot for parents waiting for their children. Signature menu items crafted from local specialties further delight visitors, adding a flavorful conclusion to their adventure.

A representative from the Joongheung Group stated,

“The UZU DREAM Media Art Exhibition—the largest of its kind in Korea—will be the greatest gift for families to experience a fantastical universe together with their children. We hope visitors will find healing for their weary bodies and minds during the hot summer, through a special experience that delicately stimulates the five senses and crosses the boundary between art and play.”

Meanwhile, the UZU DREAM exhibition space was remodeled from the Café Dear’s area, spanning approximately 3,300 square meters across the basement and first floor between the resort’s Spa Wing and Water Rock facilities. The exhibition is open year-round, 365 days a year, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with final admission at 6:30 p.m.

Writer | 정희윤