Ihwa Mural Village
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' is located on Mount Naksan in Seoul. It's an extremely popular and colourful attraction north of the Han River...'
is also known as 'moon village' due to its location on Mount Naksan, high above the city. The village gets the name from the fact that it's considered to be closer to the moon due to its height. When you visit, be prepared for a steep climb to the top - there are a LOT of stairs.
Back in 2006, Ihwa village was a derelict neighbourhood, largely occupied by poor families, and was planned for demolition. Then the Ministry for Culture stepped in with their 'Art in the City' campaign and revitalised the area with street art. The village is now home to many colourful murals, representing around 70 different artists.
However, although the murals have helped to revitalise the village, the art project has had its downsides. The spike in visitor numbers hasn't been welcomed by everyone. Understandably, some residents feel they've lost their privacy. In 2016, a few of the best-loved murals were painted over. Since then, the city and the artists have vowed to work in close consultation with locals.
It's not only murals that can be seen in Ihwa village, however. The area also has some cute stores and restaurants in vibrantly coloured buildings. And if you make it all the way to the top of Mt. Naksan, you can walk along Seoul's city walls and gain incredible views over the crowded city below.
Please be aware when visiting Iwha village that the buildings are people's homes and both them, and their property, deserve respect. Walk around quietly and do not photograph the local people without their permission.
These are a few photos from our afternoon in .
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82246 - 2023-06-11 06:25:10