Plenty of Old Carney Magic Still Haunts This Abandoned Photogenic Amusement Park in South Korea

Roman Ustinov

There is a small abandoned theme park in Seoul, South Korea, with a quieted carousel, bleached-out images of ’80s pop icons, and “dodgem” cars that have long-since quit dodging. But unlike most amusement parks that have gone idle, this one invites the public to share in its slow crumble.

h/t: atlasobscura

Roman Ustinov

Yongma Land was built in 1980, and had a fairly solid run as a small family-oriented amusement park. By 2011 tastes had moved on, and with attendance dwindling it closed down. Despite stories of a haunting or two, the root of its demise was likely just a matter of profit, when the construction of several, much larger and better located, theme parks lured the thrill-seekers away.

Roman Ustinov

Now in the hands of an enterprising local businessman, the old Yongma Land is open again, but this time to revel in the poignant charm of its decay.

Roman Ustinov

Roman Ustinov

Roman Ustinov

Roman Ustinov

Roman Ustinov

escapementality

Christian Bolz

Christian Bolz

escapementality

Christian Bolz

Max Cortesi

Max Cortesi

Max Cortesi