Yongma Land, located in Yongmasan, Jungnang District, Seoul, is a small abandoned amusement park that opened in 1980. Initially, it served as a humble, family-friendly attraction and was popular among local families for its first decade. However, with the opening of Lotte World in 1989, interest waned, leading to a decline in profits. Consequently, Yongma Land officially ceased operations in 2011.
Despite no longer functioning as an amusement park, Yongma Land has gained a new lease on life as a unique destination, attracting visitors interested in its old-school, dilapidated atmosphere. The park is open to the public, and visitors can enter for a fee of KRW 10,000 per person. This fee contributes to maintaining a certain level of dilapidation in the park, preserving its distinctive ambiance. Additionally, visitors can request to turn on the lights of the merry-go-round for a standard charge of KRW 25,000 for about 10 minutes, or the owner might do so for free if you’re fortunate.
The current owner has found creative ways to generate income from the park, including allowing popular Korean music videos and television shows to be filmed on the premises. Visitors are also welcome to explore the grounds and take photographs for a fee of 5,000 Korean won per person. This adaptability has turned Yongma Land into a hotspot for various trends, including cosplay, and has helped maintain its appeal to niche markets.
Walking through Yongma Land, you’ll come across various machines and statues that were once part of the park’s attractions. The passage of time has taken its toll, evident in the rust and fading paint, which, interestingly, adds a certain charm to the place. Amid the nostalgic setting, you’ll find spots that inspire photo-taking, capturing the unique atmosphere of the abandoned amusement park.
Despite the possibility of encountering other visitors, Yongma Land maintains a tranquil ambiance, offering a quiet and reflective experience. The park’s quietness, combined with its vintage aesthetics, fosters a sense of nostalgia, making it a distinct and memorable place to explore. Don’t hesitate to enjoy the rides and immerse yourself in the unique character of Yongma Land.
Yongma Land has preserved its distinctive atmosphere, seemingly frozen in time with minimal alterations. Beyond its role as an abandoned amusement park, it has become a sought-after filming location for a variety of dramas, movies, and entertainment programs. Renowned artists, such as EXO, TWICE, and IU, have chosen Yongma Land as the backdrop for their music videos, contributing to its popularity.
The merry-go-round, positioned prominently at the entrance, stands out as a favorite photo spot, capturing the attention of visitors. Additionally, attractions like the mini train ride, pirate ship, and mini bus add to the allure of Yongma Land. The park’s vacant yet captivating ambiance has solidified its status as a prominent photography destination in Seoul.
More information
- Address :
118 Mangu-ro 70-gil, Mangubon-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul – 118 Mangu-ro 70-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
- Getting there by metro:
The nearest station to Yongma Land is Mangu Station (Exit 1) . The amusement park is a bit out of the way, so from the metro station you can either walk or take a taxi :
– On foot from Mangu Station: Here is the path to take if you want to get there on foot from Mangu Station: Naver Map . It takes around 25 minutes to walk.
– By taxi from Mangu Station: You can also take a taxi from Mangu station. You can tell the taxi to go to “용마랜드매표소입구” . The duration of the race is expected to last 8 minutes and cost 3,800 won.
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