Exploring Yongma Land: Seoul’s Abandoned Amusement Park and Urban Explorer’s Paradise
Embark on a digital adventure to South Korea and delve into the eerie allure of Yongma Land, an abandoned amusement park that has become a hidden gem for urban explorers. Below, you’ll find four immersive 360-degree panoramic images on Google Maps Street View that allow you to virtually wander through this forgotten wonderland. Take your time to explore these captivating photographs and experience the haunting beauty of Yongma Land from the comfort of your own home.
Image by: Eunchong Kim
Image by: Eunchong Kim
Image by: Carl Alston
Image by: Noah Hill (Noah)
Tucked away in the hills of northeastern Seoul lies a hidden gem that has become an iconic destination for urban explorers and photography enthusiasts alike—Yongma Land. Once a bustling amusement park, Yongma Land now stands abandoned, frozen in time, offering a rare glimpse into South Korea’s past. Its crumbling rides, eerie atmosphere, and overgrown grounds have made it a hauntingly beautiful spot for those seeking adventure beyond the usual tourist attractions. In this post, we’ll delve into the history of Yongma Land, explore why it closed, and discuss the park’s current state and future prospects.
The Origins of Yongma Land
Yongma Land first opened its doors in 1980, during a period of rapid growth and modernization in South Korea. The concept for the park was inspired by the boom in family-oriented entertainment venues, and it was seen as a symbol of prosperity. It was designed to be a neighborhood amusement park—smaller than its larger competitors like Lotte World and Everland, but offering enough charm to attract locals who wanted a fun day out without traveling too far. The park was located in the Jungnang-gu district of Seoul, nestled at the base of Mount Yongma, from which it takes its name.
Unlike today’s massive, high-tech theme parks, Yongma Land was modest but whimsical. It featured classic rides such as a carousel, bumper cars, a Viking ship, a merry-go-round, and a few small roller coasters. The park had a distinctly retro charm, with brightly painted attractions and cheerful music that would have evoked a sense of nostalgia even in its early years.
The Visionary Behind the Park
The man behind Yongma Land was a local businessman who saw an opportunity to create a family-friendly entertainment venue at a time when Seoul’s urban landscape was changing rapidly. His vision was to provide an accessible amusement park for the growing middle class, offering a magical escape from the busy city life. Though his name has largely been forgotten in the annals of history, his ambition was evident in the creation of Yongma Land. The park was a hit in its early days, drawing local families and young couples looking for an affordable and enjoyable day out. However, as Seoul continued to evolve, so did its recreational offerings, and this marked the beginning of Yongma Land’s decline.
The Decline and Closure of Yongma Land
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Yongma Land found itself facing stiff competition from larger, more modern amusement parks like Lotte World and Everland, which had expanded their offerings with cutting-edge rides, sprawling layouts, and high-budget marketing campaigns. Yongma Land, on the other hand, was smaller and lacked the technological advancements and variety that its competitors boasted. As a result, attendance dwindled, and the park struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
The final nail in the coffin came in the early 2010s when the park officially closed its doors. Although there wasn’t a single, dramatic event that led to its closure, it was a combination of dwindling foot traffic, financial struggles, and the inability to modernize. By 2011, Yongma Land had become a shadow of its former self, its rides gathering dust and its once vibrant landscape slowly falling into disrepair.
Interestingly, while the park’s closure seemed inevitable given the circumstances, it didn’t shut down entirely. Instead, Yongma Land entered a sort of limbo, where it wasn’t demolished but was left standing, abandoned yet still accessible to those curious enough to venture inside.
Yongma Land’s Revival Through Urban Exploration and Photography
Though Yongma Land officially closed as a functioning amusement park, it was far from forgotten. In the years following its closure, the park began to attract a new type of visitor—urban explorers and photographers. Its eerie, deserted rides and overgrown grounds provided the perfect backdrop for photo shoots, music videos, and even indie films. The park’s owner, recognizing this unexpected interest, began charging a small fee for entry, allowing explorers to wander freely through the abandoned grounds.
Today, Yongma Land has become something of a mecca for urban explorers. It offers a unique mix of nostalgia and decay, with brightly colored attractions that have been weathered by time. Visitors can still see the faded paint on the merry-go-round, the rusted tracks of the roller coaster, and the ghostly remains of the bumper cars. The park’s atmosphere is one of eerie beauty—silent, except for the occasional chirping of birds or the creaking of old metal as the wind blows through the trees.
One of the park’s most iconic features is its vintage carousel, which has become a popular subject for photographers. Remarkably, the carousel’s lights can still be turned on for a small fee, casting a haunting glow across the dilapidated grounds at night. This makes for an unforgettable and surreal experience—one that’s captured the imaginations of photographers and filmmakers alike. The park has even served as a backdrop for several high-profile K-pop music videos, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Historical Significance of Yongma Land
While Yongma Land may not have the same historical weight as some of South Korea’s other landmarks, it holds a unique place in the country’s cultural memory. The park is a relic of a time when South Korea was transitioning into the modern, tech-driven society we know today. It represents an era of optimism and growth, when family entertainment meant simple pleasures like riding a carousel or taking in the view from a Ferris wheel.
In a way, the park’s abandonment mirrors South Korea’s rapid urbanization and the decline of older, more traditional forms of entertainment in favor of newer, more advanced ones. Yongma Land stands as a physical reminder of the fleeting nature of trends and the inevitability of change, but also the power of nostalgia.
The Current State of Yongma Land
As of today, Yongma Land remains abandoned, but it’s not entirely forgotten. The park’s owner continues to allow entry to curious visitors for a modest fee, making it one of the few abandoned amusement parks in the world where urban exploration is not only tolerated but encouraged. The park’s attractions are still standing, albeit in various states of decay. Some rides are overgrown with weeds, while others have been vandalized or damaged by the elements. Despite this, Yongma Land retains a strange, melancholic charm.
Visitors are free to roam the park and photograph its many dilapidated attractions, but it’s important to remember that this is still private property. While the owner welcomes explorers, it’s crucial to be respectful of the space and follow any rules that are in place. Those who venture here should also take caution, as the park is not maintained, and some structures may be unsafe to climb or enter.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for Yongma Land?
As of now, there are no concrete plans to either restore or demolish Yongma Land. Given its popularity among urban explorers, photographers, and filmmakers, the park’s current state may continue for some time. It occupies a strange middle ground—neither fully operational nor completely abandoned in the traditional sense. Its future remains uncertain, but in the meantime, it continues to serve as a unique destination for those seeking to experience something off the beaten path.
There have been rumors over the years about potential redevelopment, but nothing has come to fruition as of yet. Given the park’s location and the rapid development happening throughout Seoul, it’s possible that Yongma Land could one day be sold off or repurposed. However, for now, it remains a haunting reminder of a bygone era, standing quietly amid the hustle and bustle of the modern city.
Tips for Visiting the Park
- Entry Fee: Visitors are required to pay a small fee (usually around 10,000 KRW) to enter the park. The owner may ask for additional fees if you want to use specific attractions, like turning on the lights for the carousel.
- Photography: Bring a good camera, as Yongma Land is incredibly photogenic. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to capture the park in the best light.
- Safety: Be cautious when exploring. Some structures may be unsafe, and there is no maintenance or security on-site.
- Respect: As with any abandoned site, it’s important to respect the property and its history. Avoid causing damage or leaving litter behind.
Conclusion
Yongma Land may no longer be the bustling amusement park it once was, but its charm remains intact. For urban explorers, photographers, and anyone with an appreciation for the eerie beauty of abandoned places, Yongma Land offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of South Korea’s past. Its unique combination of nostalgia and decay makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an adventure off the beaten path.
If you liked this blog post, you might want to read about the Great Barrington Fair Grounds in Massachusetts, the Muynak Ship Graveyard in Uzbekistan, or the Houska castle in Czechia.

A 360-degree panoramic image captured at the abandoned Yongma Land amusement park in Seoul, South Korea. Image by: Noah Hill (Noah)
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