Lush vegetation sprawled across an empty amusement park, merry-go-rounds and roller coasters abandoned for over a decade. For Riverside photojournalist David Fouts, South Korea’s Yongma Land became the basis of his first published book, "Magicland". Beginning Oct. 31, photographs from Fouts’s "Magicland" series will be displayed at the California Baptist University (CBU) photography gallery.
Fouts discovered his passion for photography in 2017 while documenting a nonprofit in Liberia. After spending the majority of his life outside the U.S., he arrived in Riverside to attend university at CBU in 2018. Fouts’s time living abroad directly influenced his perception of the world and his approach to photography. Additionally, his connections with peers abroad ultimately led him to the place behind Magicland.
“Regarding my perception of the world, I was blessed to have spent the majority of my childhood outside of the USA,” Fouts said. “I lived in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Liberia, and Germany which I think has deeply shaped my worldview and how I approach people. It also led me to South Korea as I was able to visit friends from high school who live in Seoul. Otherwise I don't know if I would have gone.”
Magicland is based on an abandoned theme park in South Korea, Yongma Land. Since its closure in 2011, the place has been featured in several K-pop music videos of major groups such as TWICE, EXO and Crayon Pop. Currently, the site operates as a dedicated site for photography. Initially, Fouts was skeptical of photographing the place, believing pictures depicting “abandoned things” quickly bore viewers. Without a predetermined plan, Fouts decided to let his project develop naturally.
“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. It allows a story to develop. Once I got there, though, I quickly realized I would spend as much time as possible there, which ended up being two days.”
The title "Magicland" was inspired by the park’s large archway sign at the entrance which says, “Welcome Magicland.” In Fouts’s work, however, the name takes on a deeper significance. The contrast between the park’s playful designs and its abandonment creates an eerie sensation that something still lingers within the park’s empty grounds.
“If I could have viewers of the book and gallery take away one thing, it would be the theme of eyes always watching,” Fouts said. “Throughout the book, the cats, the characters from rides, and the overgrowth made it feel like someone was always watching and waiting much like it felt while I was there. In the book you see it more clearly but the colorful and beautiful compositions make you almost forget. And when the lights come on it makes you wonder if the place is still alive.”
When photographing, Fouts emphasizes balance in his frame. Incorporating a range of shots, Magicland hopes to immerse readers into the park, experiencing sensations of isolation and serenity firsthand.
“Magicland is a photo essay sequenced to guide the readers through the park, constantly shifting between close-up views and wider perspectives throughout the book. My visual language as a photographer has always consisted of a sense of balance within the frame, which really shows throughout the book.”
Whether working on personal projects or editorial assignments for national publications such as The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, Fouts’s approach to his craft remains the same: capturing the individuals and places behind a story.
“My approach is more refined now, but it still always focuses on the people involved in every story and project,” Fouts said. “The end result is not the goal; rather, it is the process and experience gained from creating work with people who rarely find themselves in front of a professional camera.”
