Mullae Arts Village
Have you ever heard about Mullae Arts Village? The Mullae Art Village is an area that was once known for its high concentration of iron foundries in the 70s and 80s but became abandoned due the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The area is now transformed into an art village after numerous artists have been painting murals on walls of the abandoned building and installing creative art sculptures. The neighborhood currently houses some heavy industrial businesses, coffee shops and restaurants.
Mullae Arts Village has not received much attention yet among foreigners as a tourism site. However, it is a very well-known hot spot among the locals, especially the photography lovers. It is common to see people holding their cameras picturing the perfect moment here.
Discover All the Hidden Work Pieces!
It is really fun to go on an art tour exploring all the hidden works,. It makes me feel like as if I am on a treasure hunt. You will never know what kind of masterpiece you will stumble upon in the streets of Mullae Arts Village! Art sculptures can be found here and there in Mullae Arts Village. Be it on the street or even on rooftops! Also, I like how the those colourful and vivid art murals and graffiti arts revitalized the metal-working neighborhood.
The grinding noise of electric power machines, clunking and clanging clanging of metals, scent of lubricant and metallic smell as well as the traces of oil in the cracks of the pavement are what makes Mullae Arts Village a special and mystery space. The place is like a real-world urban fantasy where the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz could pop up looking for a heart.
The Best Time to Visit
It is highly recommended to visit Mullae Arts Village & Mural Alley on weekends so that you can enjoy the place to the fullest. Metal foundries and workshops actively operates on weekdays. Hence, it is advisable not to visit the area due to safety reasons. Not only does this prevent visitors from bothering the workers of industrial workshop and factories but also allows visitors to have better view of murals painted on the factories shutters.
Location: Mullae Station (Subway Line 2) Exit No. 7
Cafe Recommendation- Old Mullae
Located in the narrow alleys of Mullae Arts Village, there is a gem that shines out of the ordinary โ Old Mullae. It is a place where you can enjoy good food, good drinks as well as good beer! Old Mullae operates as a cafe during the day and turns into a bar during the night.
The site was originally an old factory in the 1930โs and has been remodeled into the popular site today by the owner, who is an architect herself. The current building still remains the original frameworks and the elements of industrialization.
The cafe has great and cozy atmosphere. The interior of the cafe reminds the visitor of Mullaeโs industrial past and present.
The space is filled with a lot of artworks, old machineries and greeneries.
Also, it is worth mentioning that Old Mullae is the filming location of the popular Korean dramas 18 Again and Start-Up!
Address: 14-28, Mullae-dong 2(i)-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours:
- Monday โ Thursday: 12.00 p.m. โ 12.00 a.m.
- Friday โ Saturday: 12.00p.m. โ 2.00 a.m.
- Sunday: 1.00 p.m. โ 10.00 p.m.
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