Mullae Arts Village

Go to Mullae Arts Village if you are looking for the hippest place in Seoul. Mullae-dong is the new rising neighborhood. Mullae Art Village has unique atmosphere. This place is one of the neighborhood which still looks as it did in the old days. It is also known for the filming location of the movie, ‘Avengers 2’. There used to be an iron and steel industrial complex. Now it is a tranquil area, but a few of old iron works are still there. The young come and open small workshops between the old factories. Low rent and unique vibe of the place, both are very attractive to young artists. They are changing this area into ‘Mullae Art Village’.

You might have heard of other popular places like ‘Ikseon-dong’ or ‘Seongsu-dong’ when you searched hipster places in Seoul. These neighborhoods become very popular lately. Many people visit to see the new hippest place. I love to visit the new rising neighborhood, but it has changed very quickly when it becomes popular. ‘Ikseon-dong’ was my favorite neighborhood. I remember the first time I visited the hidden place where old men were playing Korean chess in the old Hanok Street. Now there are full of trendy cafés and restaurants. It has been developing in the last two and three years. And I think it is easy to lose its original attractiveness of the place after the developing process. So what I want to say is, don’t be so late to visit Mullae Arts Village!

A sculpture symbolizing iron works welcomes you.

Mullae-dong is transformed into a new trendy hippest place, but still has their own atmosphere. Most new rising neighborhoods are under redevelopment in Seoul. After new buildings are built, new owners are raising the rent. Existing tenants have no choice but to leave due to the higher rent since an area has become popular. It loses its original ambience that brings people to the neighborhood in the process. That is why the process named ‘Gentrification’ has become a hot issue in Korea.

Mullae-dong is under redevelopment situation too. However the change of the area is relatively slow. The area has something different than other neighbors about its owners and residents. Iron-masters of steel foundries did not want to lose their job in the redevelopment so they choose to own their site of the iron factory, not rent. I think they made a very wise choice. It is also good for visitors who love the atmosphere of the old unique place like me.

There are a few of nice restaurants and charming cafes. I went to drink coffee in ‘Caphe Saigon,’ which has Vietnamese coffee. It is always happy to drink a cup of coffee at all the time. Vietnamese coffee is a quite sweet and strong drink with high caffeine and caffeine doesn’t bother me. It was perfect for me!! I love it coffee makes me feel awake.

Mullae Art Village is a popular photography destination for its intriguing mix of old and new. I saw people taking pictures in a photo course the last time I visited. I’d like to recommend you to visit in weekend. You can enjoy more murals on the closed doors without disturbing people working there.

There are notices on the wall for photographers saying ‘Do not invade the privacy of residents’. Visitors need to respect to workers and residence especially when taking a photograph there.