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Time Out at Ihwa Mural Village, Seoul ( first posted on thebarefootfoodie.org on 12 Mar 2017 )

 

Time Out at Ihwa Mural Village, Seoul

MARCH 12, 2017BAREFOOT TRAVELS, SEOUL

Ihwa Mural Village started life as one of a daldongnae (‘moon villages’) – a name derived from their hilltop locations, traditionally thought to offer a better view of the moon than the cities below. At the end of the Korean War in 1950s, refugees gathered here and made it their home. From a shantytown designated for demolition ,artists have splashed their creative talents on the once grungy walls, stairways and alleys with brightly inviting murals. So much so that some residents, disgruntled with the influx of unwelcomed tourists trampling on their hallowed ground, took matters in their own hands to deface two of the most iconic works along the stairways, splattering cement over the artwork to transform the space to its depressing origin.

It is with a sense of deep regret I set off to explore what’s left of the murals on my first day of arrival in Seoul. This is what I found. My journey began after exiting Hyehwa Station and I found myself in a neighbourhood brimming with vitality and energy. It is in close proximity to learning institutions and there are pockets of  street performances sprucing up the main thoroughfare. It is a long trudge up a steep and winding passage to reach the Mural Village but there was plenty to be seen along the way.

Don’t mess with these kids
She prefers the kitty
Bigfoot
Mirror, Mirror
Quirky but nice
Graffiti or Art? Poetry or Profanity?
Pretty in Pink
Bright and Bold Facades
Big Brother is watching?
Accidental Art
Here, Kitty, Kitty
A Tall Order
International subway commuters
Be an angel for a day
I spy with my beady eyes
Black and white, not grey
Get your portraits done here
Sit at your own risk
Candy Floss Bunnies
This one’s for the golfer ( and his golf widow )
Shhhh…
This used to be a beautifully decorated stairway…until the residents had enough of the noise, traffic and disruption
Made it to the top after a lot of huffing and puffing. Wear comfortable shoes
Our well earned reward for that gruelling climb – Strawberry Snow
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