[K-Travel] 5 Mural Villages in Korea that are not Ihwa Mural Village

Mural villages are a must-visit whenever you’re are in Korea. Every year we see tons of our family and friends visit the same-old murals walls but why follow the crowd when you can stand out? Korea is a country where the local art scene flourishes and where creativity flows like the Han river so it’s no surprise that many villages out there are offering similar things as well!

Art is a good way to get an insight on a country’s culture and its people and as a wise person (not me) once said, a picture is like a poem without words. You’ll be amazed at the number of things you can learn just by looking at a drawing so here are 5 mural villages you should visit if you’re ever in the mood for something artistic.

1. Angel Mural Alley (천사벽화마을)

Located in the oldest town in Yeosu, Angel Mural Alley in Goso-dong is filled with all sorts of drawings, from the colorful and whimsical modern art to the inspiring illustrations of the historical battles that took place. This place is excellent for an evening stroll with your friends and family, and as you climb up the meandering pathways, take a quick break and look at stellar view the bays surrounding the walkway offers.

Once you reach the top, kick back, relax and reward yourself with a panoramic view of the beautiful city or with a cup of tea at one of the many cafes!

Remember to take a picture with the giant angel wings at the end of the path to let your friends know you managed to survive the walk. Fun fact: This path is about 1,004 meters and 1004 in Korean is similar to what an angel is in Korean!

Address: Goso-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 고소동)

2. Huinnyeoul Culture Village (흰여울문화마을)

Busan is more than just beaches and seafood. Situated at Korea’s Santorini, this coastal trail at Huinnyeoul Culture Village is atop a cliff and ranked one of the top 5 nationwide for its breathtaking view of the sea. Snuggled between a bunch of low-rise buildings, let the cooling ocean breeze accompany on your stroll as you pass by the many intricate and detailed artwork the wall offers.

Don’t forget to watch the endless horizon change from day to night and as the ships sail across the gentle aquamarine waves while you make your trip down the charming walls. If you’re headed to Busan, this is one place you definitely have to check out apart from the usual Gamcheon Culture Village!

Address: 1044-6 Yeongseondong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdo-gu Busan (부산 영도구 영선동4가 1044-6)

3. Dongpirang Village (동피랑벽화마을)

Another village revitalized by art, the Dongpirang Village was once a village slated for demolition but was revamped thanks to its residents. Like all the other mural villages, the walls of this beautiful village is filled with eccentric and creative art for people of all ages to enjoy. Fun fact: The art on these walls changes every 2 years!

This village is a full package, even celebrities have visited this humble place a ton of times. Try finding out where Song Joong Ki filmed ‘The Innocent Man’ and where the angel wings Super Junior’s Kyuhyun posed with are!

Address: 100 Dongpirang-gil Tongyeong-si Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 통영시 동피랑길 100)

4. Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village (송월동 동화마을)

Everyone remains a kid at heart no matter how old we get because after all, age is just a number. At Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, visitors can expect a pang of nostalgia when they see streets and alleys filled with vibrantly colored paintings of our favorite childhood characters. The pinks and blues that fill this place make it so magical, everyone has to visit at least once on their trip to Korea. It’s literally an explosion of colors.

Located at Incheon and at a very close proximity to Korea’s Chinatown, the village is the perfect place to revisit your childhood idols and reminiscence all the good ol’ times – The little kid inside every one of us will be jumping for joy.

Address: 38 Donghwamaeul-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 동화마을길 38 (송월동3가) 일대)

5. Jaman Mural Village (자만벽화마을)

If you are a fan of anime, your fangirl heart will be pleased to know that this outdoor gallery is filled to the brim with anime-inspired murals, it is a feast for the eyes! Well known for their Studio Ghibli wall art, the Jaman Mural Village is the perfect place for you to step into the fantasy world of your dreams.

After taking a walk down the anime-filled walls, take a quick breather at any of the quirky cafes in the area (have a sip with ET maybe?). This dreamy village is located in the cultural center of Korea, Jeonju, so get ready to rent yourself a hanbok and start taking some one-of-a-kind photos at this mural village!

Address: 1-10 Jamandong 1-gil Wansan-gu Jeonju-si Jeollabuk-do (전북 전주시 완산구 자만동1길 1-10)

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea soon, be sure to equip yourself with unlimited 4G WiFi coverage across the nation. Rental is available on a pay per day basis and can connect up to 3 devices on the same pocket WiFi from as low as S$3/day! (If you’re sharing with 2 other friends, that’s only $1/day/person!)