Ihwa Mural Village - Seoul, South Korea
Located on the slopes of Naksan Mountain, Ihwa Mural Village has become one of Seoul’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Once a quiet residential area, it was revitalized through the “Ihwa-dong Naksan Project” in 2006, transforming the community into a vibrant open-air art space filled with murals, sculptures, and creative installations by over seventy local artists. Beyond the art, the hillside location offers sweeping views of the city below, making it a perfect blend of culture and scenery.
When I visited, the sky was overcast and I could feel that it might rain at any moment, but I hoped the weather would hold. I had just finished an architectural tour at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and decided to walk from there to the village. The streets gradually steepened as I approached the hillside, and soon I was following a map of murals displayed at an information board near the entrance.
The narrow pathways were lined with bright, playful artworks. I stopped frequently to admire and photograph the mosaic-tiled staircases, painted walls, and quirky sculptures that seemed to pop up at every turn. Between the art-filled alleys, there were cozy cafés, small artisan shops, and viewpoints that opened up to panoramic views of Seoul. Despite the clouds, the atmosphere was lively and creative—a perfect mix of art and everyday life.
One mural that stood out to me was the “Lady Sewing”, also known as the “Textile Worker” mural. Unlike many of the earlier murals that were painted over by residents in 2016, this one remains largely untouched. It’s tucked away in an underpass area of the village, and finding it took a bit of exploring. But when I finally stood before it, the mural felt deeply rooted in the neighbourhood’s history. Many residents once worked in the nearby textile and garment industries, and this artwork pays tribute to their craftsmanship and working-class heritage. It’s a more grounded and authentic reflection of the community compared to the more whimsical art scattered elsewhere.
After exploring the village and the nearby Naksan Park, I decided to continue walking all the way back to Seoul Station, weaving through several local markets along the way. I grabbed a few street snacks and took my time wandering—another reminder of how walkable and full of surprises Seoul can be.
Background
Ihwa Mural Village (이화동 벽화마을) is nestled on the slopes of Naksan Mountain near Daehangno and Naksan Park. In the early 2000s, the neighbourhood was struggling with depopulation and neglect. In 2006, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism launched the “Ihwa-dong Naksan Project”, inviting artists to transform the area with murals and installations as part of an urban renewal effort.
Over seventy artists participated, painting stairways, alley walls, and community spaces with creative designs. The project brought new life and tourism to the area, though not without controversy—some residents later painted over murals in protest of the influx of visitors. Despite this, Ihwa Mural Village remains one of Seoul’s most famous public art sites and a symbol of community transformation. Its steep streets and art-covered staircases also offer some of the best panoramic views over central Seoul.
Getting There
From Seoul Station, take Subway Line 4 toward Hyehwa Station and exit through Exit 2. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to Ihwa Mural Village. Follow the street signs leading toward the village and Naksan Park—the path gradually ascends the hillside, with colorful murals appearing along the way. The area is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes, as many of the paths are steep and uneven.
Route Overview
Distance: 14.14 km (Dongdaemun Design Plaza → Seoul Station)
Total elevation gain: 362 m
Duration: 4 hr (with breaks 4 hr 9 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peaks: Mt Naksan 125m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Seoul Station → Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station — ₩1,750
Food: ₩6,000
