LARP Events in South Korea
South Korea's LARP scene is growing rapidly, blending high-tech innovation with rich storytelling. From Seoul's fantasy and horror LARPs to immersive murder mystery cafes, enthusiasts can find both Korean-language games and English-friendly events. Many Korean LARPs even integrate augmented reality or draw inspiration from K-dramas and video games. The community is welcoming to newcomers and increasingly open to international participants. Below is a comprehensive list of narrative-driven, in-person LARP events in South Korea – including their location, language, genre, a brief description, and how to get involved.
Seoul by Night – Vampire: The Masquerade LARP (Seoul)
1
City/Region
Seoul
2
Primary Language
Korean (limited English support)
3
Genre/Theme
Modern gothic horror (Vampire roleplay)
A Vampire: The Masquerade live-action roleplay set in a "Seoul by Night" chronicle. Players assume the roles of vampires and other characters in a dark, modern-day Seoul. Events often incorporate Korean cultural elements – for instance, a recent game took place in a traditional hanok village with a hanbok dress code. Expect intricate personal and political storylines in the World of Darkness setting. New players are welcome (basic familiarity with the setting is helpful).
Contact/Website: Official Twitter @VtmLarp_Wod for updates. (Organized by local World of Darkness fans; announcements and sign-ups are posted on social media.)
Amtgard Fantasy LARP (Expats' Club, Seoul)
1
City/Region
Seoul (and U.S. military community areas)
2
Primary Language
English
3
Genre/Theme
Medieval high-fantasy combat LARP (boffer style)
An expatriate-friendly fantasy LARP chapter affiliated with Amtgard, a global LARP organization. Players use foam weapons ("boffers") and medieval-inspired costumes to engage in battle games and quests. The focus is on light-hearted combat and adventure, with an evolving narrative created by the group. As part of the international Amtgard network (which has chapters in South Korea), this group is very welcoming to non-local participants and often consists of foreign residents and Korean locals alike. It's a great entry point for English-speaking newcomers to LARP in Korea.
Contact/Website: Facebook group "Amtgard Korea" (community-organized; find event schedules and contacts there). Meetups are typically on weekends at parks or base facilities – loaner gear is usually available for first-timers.
Puzzle Factory – Crime Scene Mystery Cafés (Seoul & Busan)
Puzzle Factory – a franchise of immersive "crime scene" mystery cafés in Korea. Participants become detectives or suspects in live murder mystery games.
1
City/Region
Seoul (Hongdae & multiple districts); also in Busan (Seomyeon)
2
Primary Language
Korean
3
Genre/Theme
Interactive mystery roleplay (immersive detective thriller)
Puzzle Factory is Korea's first and largest chain of murder-mystery LARP cafés, where you and 4–7 friends become characters solving a fictional crime. Scenarios range from noir detective cases to historical whodunits. You'll be briefed on a murder case, given a secret role (e.g. detective, suspect with hidden motives), and then set loose in a elaborately decorated "crime scene" to find clues and interrogate each other. Costumes and props are provided to enhance the immersion, and each 90–120 minute game ends with players voting to identify the culprit. Puzzle Factory started in Hongdae, Seoul in 2016 and now operates seven Seoul locations. They have since expanded to Busan and other cities as the mystery LARP trend booms in Korea. (Note: Games are currently in Korean; non-Korean speakers may need a translator friend, as the experience is text and dialogue heavy.)
Website/Contact: PuzzleFactory.co.kr – Official site for bookings. Also on Facebook (퍼즐팩토리) with updates on new story themes and locations. Phone for Busan Seomyeon branch: 070-4304-4340 (listed on site). Advance reservation is recommended due to popularity.
Real World Clue – Live Mystery Role-Play (Seoul)
1
City/Region
Seoul (Gangnam)
2
Primary Language
Korean
3
Genre/Theme
Mystery thriller (tech-assisted roleplay game)
Real World Clue is a newer mystery LARP experience that launched in 2024 as an alternative to traditional hosted murder-mystery games. Uniquely, it runs without a human gamemaster – instead, players follow an app-guided scenario with automated clues and timed phases. You and your group become investigators and suspects in a high-tech crime puzzle, with the storyline delivered through printed materials, audio cues, and in-room props. Despite the lack of a live facilitator, the game is highly immersive and was an instant hit (achieving a 76% booking rate upon launch). Scenarios are typically 1 hour and emphasize deduction and player interaction. Like other crime cafes, roles and briefings are provided in Korean. Real World Clue is ideal for those who want a sleeker, self-guided mystery experience.
Contact/Website: RealWorldClue (KakaoTalk channel and Naver booking – search 리얼월드클루). They operate in Seoul's Gangnam area; details on themes and booking can be found via their social media or booking platform.
Additional Information
Note: *The South Korean LARP landscape continues to evolve. New events and venues (for example, some board game café chains now offer murder-mystery roleplay nights) are emerging across Seoul and other cities. Whether you're an avid LARPer or a curious newcomer, South Korea now offers everything from fantasy LARP Korea adventures to chilling live action roleplay in Seoul's dark alleys. Be sure to check each event's official pages for the latest dates and details before attending.*