Riverside photographer releases book on abandoned Korean theme park

Photographs from David Fouts' first book, 'Magicland,' open for public viewing at the California Baptist University photography gallery on Oct. 31. The collection features images of Yongma Land, an amusement park in South Korea that closed in 2011. Fouts, a Riverside-based photojournalist, spent two days capturing the site's overgrown grounds and stationary rides.

The park's large entrance archway reads 'Welcome Magicland,' which inspired the book's title. Since its closure, the location has appeared in music videos for major K-pop groups including TWICE, EXO, and Crayon Pop. It now functions as a dedicated photography site.

Fouts arrived in Riverside in 2018 to attend CBU after living abroad in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Liberia, and Germany. He discovered his interest in photography in 2017 while documenting a nonprofit in Liberia. His time living outside the United States influenced his approach to the project and led him to South Korea to visit high school friends in Seoul.

The photographer initially doubted the viability of a project focused on abandoned structures. He felt that images of decay often bore viewers quickly. Instead of a predetermined plan, he allowed the work to develop naturally during his visit.

'I was hesitant at first in regards to photographing an abandoned theme park because you see a lot of work focused on abandoned things and it can become less interesting,' Fouts said. 'That being said, I decided while I was in South Korea that I wanted to visit the place. I had no intention of making a large body of work or a book or even having a gallery but it is better that way.'

The resulting book sequences shots to shift between close-up views and wider perspectives. Fouts aims to create a sense of balance within each frame. He notes that the park's characters and cats create an atmosphere of being watched, a feeling that contrasts with the colorful compositions in the photographs.

Fouts also works as an editorial photographer for publications such as The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He maintains that his focus remains on capturing the individuals and places behind a story, prioritizing the process of creating work with people who rarely appear in front of a professional camera.

Fouts said he hopes viewers will notice the theme of eyes always watching throughout the book. He stated that the lights in the park make one wonder if the place is still alive despite the abandonment.