6 Best Sights in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul

The Ihwa Mural Village was created in 2006 when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism invited more than 70 artists to paint or create sculptures for their “Art in the City'' initiative to revive the area. Formerly known as a Daldongnae, “Moon Village,” because of the unobstructed views of the moon seen from the hills, the village was home to the lower and working class, and Korean War refugees during the 1950s. 

The vibrant displays of artwork mixed with historic Seoul have revitalized the area, attracting locals and tourists. The most famous pieces are the Koi Fish staircase ( Ihwajang 1na-gil), Mosaic Flower staircase ( Yulgok-ro 19-gil), and Angel Wings ( 9-396 Ihwa-dong) where there is always a line for photos. In fact, the area has become so popular that the district has enforced a “Silent Campaign.” While you’re meandering the alleyways looking for the next masterpiece, remember to keep your voices low, respect the privacy of residents, and hold on to or properly dispose of your trash to ensure the continuity of the village for years to come.

Designed by prominent Korean architect Kim Swoo-geun, the ARKO Art Center was established in 1979 under the direction of the Arts Council Korea, also known by its acronym, ARKO. Kim's goal was for his architecture to represent a poem written by light and bricks. He achieved just that, as the center's red brick is an iconic symbol of Hyehwa-dong. The building consists of an exhibition space, archive, cafe, and other facilities dedicated to showcasing Korean contemporary art and supporting emerging Korean artists. Most exhibitions are free.

At this cafe and museum in the Ihwa Mural Village, the price of admission includes a drink and access to its Lock, Pottery, and Kitchen mini-museums. (The Lock Museum is particularly famous). The owner spent decades collecting these Korean artifacts to showcase in his own space. Although explanatory text is limited, the staff are more than happy to offer insights as you sip your drink from room to room. There are also outdoor seats on the observation decks with breathtaking views of Seoul’s skyline. This is also a great place for a bathroom break (with paid admission) as the public ones in the village are often closed.

This small park right outside Hyehwa Station Exit 2 is the heart of Hyehwa-dong. Named after the Marronnier (horse chestnut) trees that are planted there, it was once a part of Seoul National University’s former campus. Today it’s where people come to stroll around before performances or to watch street performances. The park transforms into an open-air stage in the evenings and on weekends during the warmer months. Unlike the street performances in Hongdae that lean more toward the K-Pop genre, here you’ll find mimes, magicians, and acoustic guitar performances. 

Despite its size, there are a handful of landmarks within the park, including ARKO Arts Theater, ARKO Art Center, and sculptures, including a large statue of Kim Sang-ok, a political activist who died fighting for Korean independence. At the center of the park, there’s a Seoul National University monument, a miniature recreation of the university that once occupied the area. From May to June, the Marrionner trees are in bloom, showing off vibrant red and white flowers while offering much needed shade and in the fall, the foliage turns amber. It’s an excellent place to sit within nature and people-watch any time of year.

Located on Naksan, one of the four guardian mountains of Seoul, Naksan Park is perched on top of the hill and offers stunning views of the city. The park and mountain are named after the camel’s hump, nakta (Korean for camel), and san (Korean for mountain). The natural area, including the solid granite bedrock of Naksan, was destroyed during the developments made under Japanese occupation. To restore and preserve the remaining green belt, the Seoul Metropolitan Government established Naksan Park in 2002. Today, Naksan Park features a traditional Korean pagoda with colorful, ornate painted details, several observation decks, badminton and basketball courts, an exhibition hall, and a small convenience store.

On Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, the street in front of the Hyehwa Catholic Church transforms into Little Manila with a lively open-air market with Filipino vendors selling traditional foods like baked bananas and balut (fertilized duck egg), hard-to-source produce, toiletries, and more. The church holds mass in Tagalong on Sunday afternoons, so the market also serves as a gathering place for the Filipino community in Seoul.