Seoul’s Ambitious 1973 Project: Transforming Waste into Wonderland
Officials opened Seoul Children’s Grand Park on May 5, 1973, converting a sprawling 12.6 million-square-pyeong plot in Seongdong-gu’s Nungdong Mountain Area 3 into the city’s largest recreational hub. This former landfill site featured expansive facilities that drew crowds, including a central room complex and various amenities designed for families.
The park’s main entrance gate spanned 375 pyeong, with water features reaching 10 meters deep in 93 pools. Four statues and towers overlooked the grounds, all crafted by artist Kim Se-ju.
Scale and Engineering Marvels
Analysis reveals the site covered over 100,000 pyeong in outer walls alone, filled with 1.7 million pyeong of waste. Key structures included eight 39-meter Micklerum towers and a 60-pyeong pyramid housing a Micklerum tower, balcony, and yacht. Battery-powered rides spanned 700 meters of courses, while a 20-unit yacht fleet navigated 700 meters of waterways.
Affordable Fun with Amusement Rides
The 7 million-square-pyeong amusement zone boasted 14 attractions like Jet Coaster, Skydive, Coca-Cola High, and Bajukap. Jet Coaster alone featured 20 multi-directional cars on 500-meter tracks reaching 60 km/h speeds. Bajukap rides accommodated large groups with aircraft wings and projections, complete with mini apartments, small horse carts, and roller coasters.
Facilities and Pricing Details
Entry cost 50 won for adults and 100 won for children, with golf greens estimated at 700 won. Additional fees included 200-won fill rides, 30-50 won per amusement facility item, and 30 won for mini horse carts. A 40-won octopus ride and 50-won entrance filled the budget-friendly lineup.
Management Challenges Amid Popularity
Over 60,000 visitors flocked daily to this vast site. Management extended hours to 2 a.m., releasing related individuals after four escapes. The site escaped without major incidents until 8 p.m. the next day. Approximately 300 lost children reunited at the information desk, all safely located.
