Is Yongma Land worth it? An honest reality check

For photographers, K-pop fans and travelers chasing a unique, off-the-beaten-path photo set, Yongma Land is usually worth it. It's an abandoned amusement park in north-east Seoul kept open as a paid retro photo spot — a rusted Ferris wheel, a faded carousel and old bumper cars give it a moody, nostalgic look that's been used in countless music videos and idol shoots. The catch is honest: it's small, it can feel run-down and a bit dirty, it's not a working theme park, and it's a real trek from central Seoul. Decide by whether the distinctive photos are the point of the trip — if you don't care about the aesthetic, the time it takes to get there usually isn't worth it.

Yongma Land is a former neighborhood amusement park that closed years ago and has been left standing, then reopened as a paid photo location rather than a functioning park. The rides don't operate as attractions — they're props. The big draw is the abandoned, time-frozen aesthetic: the Ferris wheel and carousel can sometimes be lit up for photos (often for an extra fee), which is why it's a favorite for retro, cinematic and K-pop-style shoots. Go in expecting a small atmospheric set you photograph, not rides you go on.

Yongma Land is in Jungnang-gu in the north-east of Seoul, away from the main tourist areas, and the last stretch is an uphill walk with no direct subway exit at the door, so many visitors take a taxi for the final part or join a guided/private-driver tour. There's a small entrance fee (paid in cash to the caretaker on site), and turning on the lights for the Ferris wheel or carousel typically costs extra. Because access is awkward, a private driver or a K-drama / photo tour that includes Yongma Land is the easy way to do it without the transport headache.

Yes — its abandoned, nostalgic look has made it a popular backdrop for music videos and idol photo shoots, and it's widely associated with K-pop content, which is a big part of why fans seek it out. That said, there isn't a guarantee you'll recognize a specific scene from your favorite group, and there are no official 'set' markers — the appeal is the overall aesthetic the artists used, not a curated fan attraction.

Either works, but it comes down to transport. Going on your own is cheaper and flexible, but the location is far and the final approach is awkward, so budget for a taxi and check current opening times before you set off (it's a small private operation, so hours can be inconsistent). A guided or private-driver tour — including the K-drama / filming-location tours that feature Yongma Land — solves the access problem and often bundles other photogenic spots, which can make the long trip out feel more worth it. Check what each listing includes and the price before you book.