Exploring Yongma Land - an abandoned amusement park in Seoul

Introduction

Yongma Land is an "abandoned" amusement park in Seoul, South Korea. This small amusement park which was called "Magic Land" during operation, opened in 1983, and closed in 2011. After it closed for riding, access continued to be possible with a small entrance fee for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and interested tourists.

Getting There

Yongma Land is located in Mangu-dong, an Eastern suburb of Seoul, South Korea. The nearest train station is Mangu on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Sangbong station on Metro Line 7 is a further 500m walk away. Be aware that the Gyeongui-Jungang Line is not quite as frequent as many of the Seoul metro lines, with trains approximately every 15 minutes. Some peak period express/rapid trains, and ITX trains which share the same tracks, may bypass Mangu station. Mangu station has a convenience store and toilets. From Mangu station to Yongma Land is an interesting 1.5km walk along the busy Mangu-ro, through residential back streets on Mangu-ro 70-gil, and finally culminating in a steep uphill ascent when approaching the amusement park. You could also get a taxi if you have tired legs.

Arriving

Yongma Land is advertised as being open between 10am and 6pm daily, though some sources differ. The entrance is a building with Studio Ghibli vibes. On approaching the ticket window, the window was slid open, and a hand beckoned me towards the counter. For photography, the entrance fee was 10,000 won per person, paid in cash only. Videography and filmmaking may cost more. The entrance fee included a bottle of water, which was welcome given the heat and humidity on the day of our visit.

Inside the Park

Yongma Land was an amazing place to visit. This "standing but not operating" (SBNO) theme park appears to have a mixture of rides in their original locations, and also serves as a junk yard for amusement rides from other places. Rides in situ included a Carousel (which can be pushed around, and has lights that turn on at night), a Pirate Ship, Tagada, Octopus, Chance Rok'N'Rol, and Aeroplanes. Other "junk" spread around the park includes various coin operated rides, a partially built rollercoaster, fiberglass characters, a phone box, some assorted rollercoaster coaster cars, and a few Pirate Ship boats.

There are a few buildings around the site. A spot with an excellent view was above the toilet block, which was popular with portrait photographers despite a deadly drop off on the side of the building. This also overlooks a large adjacent abandoned building. There is a "not-abandoned" studio/wedding venue on site in a fairy tale castle.

Don't miss the section of the park uphill from the main area, which has lots of interesting amusement ride junk, plane seats, and many stray cats.

Photography Tips

We visited in the afternoon, which had good light as Yongma Land is on the Western facing side of a mountain. The lights can be turned on the Carousel during the evening, but I would expect that only occurs in the Autumn and Winter months with shorter daylight hours.

We visited on a Sunday afternoon, and there were 4 other groups doing photography and videography whilst we were there. It is polite to make sure that you don't get in the way of anyone else's photos, even if you have to hang around for a few minutes. I would plan to be there for a few hours as there is so much to explore. Adding in travelling time to/from central Seoul, a visit will take up most of an afternoon.

There are lots of rusty objects, drop offs, and rides that can swing and move. Whilst the lack of health and safety was refreshing, you do have to be careful at all times.

Yongma Land is a very unique location, and was one of the highlights of our South Korean holiday. It's not everyday you can legally explore an abandoned amusement park.