Do you know the difference between Mural and Street Art ? Murals are visual art applied on a wall inside or outside (most of the time, the artist is paid by the city) and Street Art refers to a piece of art applied on a public place (often executed without official permission). Also, depending on aesthetic or political preference, some street art may be designated graffiti by some viewers.
In Korea, Street Art is not really popular (even if you can find some awesome pieces from nice street artist like Monsieur Le Chat).ย Instead the government do invest in artists to realise Mural Village in order to bring back to life poor neighborhood of touristic korean city. Seoul is no exception to that trend. So we will discover today 3 awesome mural spots in Seoul.
1. THE CLASSIC, IWHA DONG MURAL VILLAGE
Around:ย 49 Naksan 4-gil, Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
How to access
The nearest subway station is Hyehwa, line 4, exit 2. Once out of the station, walk straight to the Information Centre to get the detailed map of the mural village and its paintings. After that, follow the map to find the Village, it will take you around 12 mins walk to get there. Be aware that you will have to climb to go up there.
Story of the Village
Ihwa Mural Village is an unlikely attraction in what was a poor neighbourhood of Seoul. First in 2006, the Naksan Cultural Project transformed this place in an artistic tourist spot with interesting artistic pieces created by local artists.
โIn 2013, the government hired again more local artists and art students to add more murals and displays.
Tips for your visit
Please when visiting this area, do not forget that people are living there and that you should keep quiet while visiting. Also, at the back of the village you can see Seoul Wall and have a nice view of the city.
2. THE POPULAR, MULLAE ART VILLAGE
Around:ย 150-093 13-8 Dorim-ro 128ga-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
How to get there
Stop at Mullae Station, Subway Line 2 and go out at exit 7. Once outside, please turn left. The Art Village starts down like a block after on the left side of the street. After that just wander around.
Story of the village
Mullae Art Village was well known for being a steel foundries area. It has now recently been transformed into an artistic village. In every corner and alley, you will found colorful murals and sculptures. While going around the neighborhood you will found numerous artists studios as well as trendy cafes and restaurants. Itโs definitely a nice place to hang out for a photoshoot.
Tips for your visit
Even if not many people actually live in this area, there is still people working in there, we ask you to please respect their work and privacy. Also, this place is fill with nice design cafe and restaurant so you can definitely find an exciting place to try !
3. THE SMALLEST, HONGDAE MURAL STREET
Around:ย 360-28 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
How to get there
Get to Hongik University Station and go out at exit 9. Find your way up to the entrance of Hongik University (yes the actual Uni). Then on the side you will found a small street stretching from Abiko Curry restaurant up to Four Seasons House, this Hongdae Mural Street.
Story of the village
If you did not know Hongik University is the โartistic universityโ of Seoul. Most of the classes are related to different arts like architecture, design, dance etc. Itโs no surprise that next to this school you can various arrangements of murals from simple graffiti to artistic design. This Street is a really famous dating spot and many dramas has been shot in there like โItaewon Classโ (2020).
Tips for your visit
Some people might call this area โPicasso Streetโ so do not hesitate to search for both expression if you need more information about this place.
If you visit any of these places, please share with us which one is your favorite and which cafe/restaurant you did try ! We hope that you discover some new exciting places and make your camera full of lovely picture.
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