SEOSAN-DONG SIHWA ALLEY
In Mokpo, a port city in Jeollanam-do, there is a village where old alleys are preserved on a hill with a view of the sea, Seosan-dong Borimadang and Sihwamaeul Village.
A Village with a Poem and Paintings on a Hill Overlooking the Sea
In Mokpo, a port city in Jeollanam-do, there is a village where old alleys are preserved on a hill with a view of the sea, Seosan-dong Borimadang and Sihwamaeul Village. Here you can find murals weathered by the wind and time that capture the seaside village ambiance, and the view of the port from the hill looks like a romantic landscape painting. Let’s take a leisurely walk through Seosan-dong Borimadang and Sihwamaeul Village, a newtro (new + retro) destination where even the sorrows and lives of people who live by the sea become artwork.
Alleys of Poem Illustrations: Collaboration of Poets, Painters and Residents
Seosan-dong Sihwamaeul Village is located under a steep hill of Yudalsan Mountain in Mokpo. The Seosan-dong area, where houses are clustered along the foot of the mountain, was once home to Mokpo fishermen. The atmosphere of the village has changed since poets, painters and residents held an exhibition of illustrated poems for three years from 2015. After the exhibitions, the village was designated as a cultural heritage site of Mokpo-si, as the intricate maze of alleys was well preserved and Borimadang, once a place where barley was threshed, has mostly remained in its original condition.
These alleys and coastal scenery gained popularity as a retro destination after featuring in in a film.
Alleys with Stories of Seaside Dwellers
Sihwamaeul Village starts with Yeonhui’s Supermarket. After featuring in the movie 1987: When the Day Comes, this grocery store became a retro tourist attraction, offering a glimpse of the 1980s. The village begins just past the supermarket.
Follow the alley signs, such as Yudal-ro, Seosan-ro and Borimadang-ro. Although the intersection branches off three ways, Borimadang Alley and Sihwamaeul Alley are actually one road. Borimadang got its name from the area’s history as a barley field in Seosan-dong.
Narrow alleys lead to an uphill road adorned with artwork, poems and illustrations on old walls. Reading the poems written by residents can evoke both laughter and a lump in your throat.
Hill with a View, Borimadang That Embraces the Sea
Walking up the hill while appreciating the various poems and murals, you will see Babomadang, a large vacant lot. Babomadang is an abbreviation of Borimadang that embraces the bada (sea). Empty houses around the hill have now become cafés, small galleries and photo studios. One house built in the 1970s was turned into a black and white photo studio, and the teddy bear near the café is a popular photo zone.
The top of the hill offers a panoramic view. Below Sihwamaeul Alley and the village, you will have a sweeping view of Mokpo Port and the Mokpo seascape. Climb the hill with that dim feeling like time is flowing backwards, and enjoy the picturesque scenery at the top.
Address│27 Borimadang-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do
Way to go│KTX Mokpo Station – 5 minutes by taxi
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Yeonhui’s Supermarket
This supermarket was featured in the movie 1987: When the Day Comes as Yeonhui’s house. After filming the movie, the city of Mokpo and the movie production company decided to make it into a tourist atttraction. Visitors can take pictures and reenact scenes from the movie.
Café From Seosan
The 1st floor is decorated with charming retro items like an old TV, pay phone and radio, and the 2nd floor offers exceptional ocean views. This café is also famous for its homemade cookies and desserts.
Snow Flower
This cute café is located at the beginning of the hilly alley leading to the Borimadang Alley. The small space is packed with old and vintage items like payphones, cassette tapes and players, photos and more that will take you on a trip down memory lane.
Anne of Green Gables
On the hill overlooking Borimadang Alley, there is a café offering great views. As you see from the name, the entire place is filled with items related to Anne of Green Gables. It also sells secondhand clothes and accessories.
Babo Macaron
Located at the very top of Borimadang, the full name of this retro-style café is ”Badaga Boineun Macaron,” which translates to ”a macaron overlooking the sea.” As its name suggests, visitors can enjoy a drink with a sweet macaron while admiring the sea.
Babo Photo Studio
This is a black-and-white photo studio that will take you back in time. It has become a must-visit place for creating unforgettable memories of Sihwa Alley.
TIP
AMokpo Marine Cable Car
After visiting Sihwa Alley, you can go to the Yudalsan Boarding Platform and ride the longest cable car in Korean at 3.2 km-long. Providing breathtaking views, the Mokpo Marine Cable Car travels over Yudalsan Mountain and crosses the ocean to arrive at Gohado Island. The glass-floored Crystal Cabin offers a thrilling experience.
©Korea Tourism Organization
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