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Yongma Land: Guide to Seoul’s Abandoned Amusement Park

A shuttered family park in eastern Seoul — a legal stop for photographers, urban explorers, and K-pop fans. Below: prices, metro directions, what to shoot, and how to fold the visit into your trip.

Faded carousel at Yongma Land abandoned amusement park in Seoul — tourist phone photo
Yongma Land: the two-story carousel with weathered horses — one of the park’s signature photo spots.

Yongma Land is a closed family amusement park in eastern Seoul that, after shutting down, became a popular spot for photographers, urban explorers, and K-pop fans. Unlike most abandoned sites, it is legally open to visitors and kept in a state of “preserved decay.”

Before you go, compare flights to Seoul, book a Seoul hotel, and set up a Korea eSIM — maps and translation apps help in Jungnang. Budget with the trip budget calculator, and check stays in the hotel and hostel price guide. Ready itinerary frames: 3 days for a weekend, 7 days on a budget, or 3 days for architecture lovers.

A short history

The park opened in the early 1980s (1980 or 1983, depending on the source) at the foot of Yongmasan and was popular with local families. Its decline followed larger, modern complexes such as Lotte World (1989). With fewer visitors and a revoked city license, Yongma Land officially closed in 2011.

Rumors that it shut after a child’s accident are an urban legend not backed by news reports. Similar fragile and “preserved” places appear in our disappearing attractions guide; for another Asian decay landscape, see Houtouwan in China.

Practical info for visitors

Keep these details handy when planning in AlpacaBag. Prices are approximate — confirm at the gate.

ItemDetails
Entry fee10,000 KRW (about $10) for adults; 5,000 KRW for children. Cash only.
ExtrasFor about 30,000 KRW after 20:00 the owner may turn on the carousel lights.
FacilitiesRides do not run; maintained toilets and vending machines are on site.
HoursRoughly 10:00–18:00; times can change, and the grounds sometimes close for private shoots.

Withdraw cash ahead of time; arrange travel insurance before you go. For similar offbeat stops, browse the unusual museums guide and offbeat destinations.

How to get to Yongma Land

The park sits in Jungnang District. The nearest subway stop is Mangu Station (Gyeongui–Jungang Line), Exit 1.

  • On foot: 15–30 minutes (≈1.5 km). The last stretch climbs steeply toward the mountain — budget time and good shoes.
  • By taxi: a few minutes from Mangu; saves energy before a photo session. Compare transfers via bus tickets and transfers.

At the entrance you will see a double fence and a ticket booth. If the owner is away, a phone number is usually posted on the gate — call and say “Yongma Land.” Before you leave the station, use the smartphone travel checklist (offline maps, translator).

What to see and photograph

The grounds are full of retro sets and textured rust. Careful climbing on static rides for photos is usually allowed. Key spots:

  • Two-story carousel with faded horses.
  • Bumper cars — a plaza of frozen vehicles.
  • Octopus ride and Viking ship — classic attraction shells.
  • Clown-themed roller-coaster cars and an unfinished five-story building near the entrance.

Free neighborhood walks and city parks — in the free things to do guide. Seoul tours and tickets are easy via tours and tickets.

Pop-culture connections

The park went global through music and film. Crayon Pop shot the viral “Bar Bar Bar” video here; the site also appeared in clips by Dreamcatcher, EXO, BTS, and Baek Ji-young, plus dramas such as Café Minamdang and The Myth of Sisyphus.

More Korea filming spots — in the Korean drama locations guide. After the shoot, continue with K-beauty shopping (where to buy Korean cosmetics), street food (Japan–Korea food guide, Asia budget snacks), or flea markets (Japan and South Korea flea markets). Gadgets — in the Asia electronics shopping guide.

Folding Yongma Land into a Seoul itinerary

A practical plan: 3–7 days in the capital and half a day for an eastern photo stop. Morning — subway to Mangu and the park; afternoon — downtown or shopping; evening — food. If you continue to Busan or other cities, see the multi-city vacation planner guide. Ready templates live in the AlpacaBag route library.

Build an itinerary with a Yongma Land day

Add the park to your Seoul trip: compare flights and hotels, then generate a plan in the wizard.

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FAQ for travelers

Is Yongma Land legally open to visitors?

Yes. Unlike many abandoned sites, the park officially welcomes guests: there is a ticket booth or the owner’s phone number on the gate. Rides do not operate, but the grounds are open for walks and photos.

How much is entry to Yongma Land?

Roughly 10,000 KRW for adults and 5,000 KRW for children. Cash only is typical. For about 30,000 KRW after 20:00 the owner may turn on the carousel lights — confirm on site.

How do you get to Yongma Land by subway?

The nearest station is Mangu Station (Gyeongui–Jungang Line), Exit 1. Walking takes about 15–30 minutes (≈1.5 km) with a steep final climb toward Yongmasan; a short taxi from the station saves energy.

Can you climb on the rides for photos?

Careful climbing on static attractions is usually allowed if you treat them gently. Do not damage structures, leave trash, or interrupt private shoots if the grounds are temporarily closed.

How does AlpacaBag help plan a Yongma Land day in Seoul?

Block half a day for eastern Seoul (Jungnang) and pair it with downtown or shopping. Start from ready Seoul SEO routes in AlpacaBag and add “Yongma Land” as a photo stop in the wizard.

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