Yongma Land: The Abandoned Theme Park
Once full of fun, adventure, and happiness, Yongma Land was a place for friends and family to enjoy, but it is now a hotspot for photographers and daring individuals who want to get a taste of this creepy abandoned theme park. Originally open for the public in the 1980s, Yongma Land was meant to be a place for people to come together and have fun, but as the world evolved and time progressed, people stopped coming. As a result, Yongma Land had to close down because of low profits. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, Yongma Land is still open to the public for a small charge. So, what do you need to know before you go, and what can you expect when you get there? Well, you are about to find out!
- Location and Admission
If you want to have the opportunity to explore this wondrous land, you must first know how to get there! Since it is located in Seoul, one can use the train system to get to Mangu Station, which is the closest stop to Yongma Land. Depending on how you are feeling, you can take another mode of transportation (bus, taxi, etc.), or you can walk from the station in at most fifteen minutes. Once you get to the park, you just have to head through the gate and go to the ticket booth where you will have to pay 5,000₩ per person in cash. After that, you are set to explore to your heart’s content and spend as much time as you would like in this exclusive land.
- The Park
Even though none of the rides at Yongma Land work anymore, the current owner of the park makes sure that his guests have a great time by providing vending machines and working toilets.
Seeing as there are a variety of broken rides and props that go with the atmosphere, it is the perfect place to take creative photos by moving things and climbing all over the rides. For instance, some of the most inspiring rides used by photographers and visitors alike are the enchanted carousel, Viking ship, and the Space Fighter ride.
Aside from attracting photographers, the fading colors and the decaying park has also captivated many musicians. For this reason, many K-pop MVs and celebrity photo shoots have been shot at this park. In fact, Twice’s debut music video, “Like Ooh-Ahh,” was shot in Yongma Land.
For an abandoned theme park, Yongma Land is definitely worth a visit. Of course, one has to be careful when taking their photos on the rides since they are run down, but they will provide you with a once in a lifetime experience. Aside from the aforementioned rides, there are plenty more that are breathtaking and worth a shot or two. If you pay 30,000₩ at the entrance, you will be in for a real treat. After 8:00 p.m., the owner of the park will turn on the carousel's lights making it a magical display that will forever be etched into your memory. For this reason, some Korean couples have had their wedding ceremony in Yongma Land.
Even though Yongma Land has been abandoned, it is not forgotten. It still holds an appealing and attractive vibe that lures visitors from around the globe.
Are there any other abandoned amusement parks in South Korea that you believe are just as captivating? If so, let us know in the comments below!
Written by Valeria Voelkl
