Jeju’s Hidden Art Walk: Exploring Sincheon-ri Mural Village
I stumbled across the Sincheon-ri Mural Village (신천리 벽화마을) while walking a section of the Jeju Olle-gil and knew instantly I had to bring my daughter back for an evening stroll. No crowds, no noise, just us, the art, and a peaceful neighborhood splashed with color.
In a similar fashion, I had stumbled upon the Gimnyeong Craft Metal Mural Village on Jeju Olle Course 20. I love how many mural villages there are in Korea. There are more than people realize and that’s probably because most of them are in small towns and villages that you really have to stumble upon to find out about. So, here we are in Jeju, the only ones enjoying this colorful mural village.
Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the mural-filled streets of Sincheon-ri, especially if you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly outing.
- Basic Info
- Walking Among the Flowers
- Homage to Seaside Life and Jeju Culture
- More Than Just Murals
- Good To Know
- Other Mural Villages To Find In Korea
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Basic Info
Sincheonseo-ro Village Hall Area (신천서로 마을회관 부근): This is the heart of the mural village and where the artwork begins. It’s a quiet road that loops around a small neighborhood, so it’s not hard to explore the full stretch even with little legs in tow. If you’re driving in, this is also a good spot to park your car.
Address: 466-3 Shincheonri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju (제주 서귀포시 성산읍 신천리 466-3)
Directions: You can take bus 701 or the quicker bus 720 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal. Both stop near the village.
Map of Sincheon-ri Mural Village
When you turn in to the village hall, you’ll spot two signboards with maps. The maps differ slightly as they seem to have been made to promote different murals. This is one of them. Take a look at them both to get a lay of the land and sort out your own adventure in the area.
Walking Among the Flowers
The theme of the Sincheon-ri Mural Village is “Flowers in the Four Seasons,” and that really comes through as you walk along the 1-kilometer route. You’ll see hydrangeas blooming across walls, camellias brightening alleyways, sunflowers stretching toward painted suns, and butterflies fluttering around pastel houses.
Every few houses, there’s something to see so you can’t really lose your way. Just keep your eyes peeled for color and you’ll find your way.
The best part? It’s flat and easy to walk, making it perfect for families. We walked slowly, stopping at every mural. My daughter ran ahead more than once, shouting back to point out a new discovery, like a cactus sprouting from a garden wall or a bird flying across a painted sky. It felt like a storybook village come to life. They had some just beautiful murals to find.
Homage to Seaside Life and Jeju Culture
Of course no mural village in Jeju would be complete without paying home to seaside living and the culture of the haenyeo, or female divers that are beloved on the island. If you’re just visiting Jeju, this homage is a lovely way to tie in your visit to the ocean and beaches which you no doubt came here for.
There are over 100 murals here, created by a mix of young artists and local painters. What started as a backdrop for a short film turned into a full-on village art project. Now, it’s part of an effort to bring new life to the area and support the local community.
More Than Just Murals
There are also photo zones marked along the way, and they’re actually well thought out. These aren’t just cut-out boards with face holes; they’re integrated into the street art, making it easy to snap a few fun pictures without breaking the flow of the walk. Have fun with it and become a part of the artistic adventure.
Good To Know
Be respectful of residents: This is still a residential village, so walk quietly and respectfully. Locals live behind these murals, and while they seem happy to share the art with visitors, it’s important to be mindful of the space. Don’t leave trash behind, don’t walk into peoples’ homes or through front gates. All of the art is on the exterior walls.
Circling back: The path naturally loops back to where you began, but if you’re making a day of it in Seongsan, the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) is nearby and makes a good next stop. If you’re just in it for the mural stroll, this is an easy and colorful detour off the usual tourist route.
Other Mural Villages To Find In Korea
Sincheon-ri Mural Village is a low-key, off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s worth the visit. It’s peaceful, full of little visual surprises, and a sweet way to spend time outdoors with your kids. I always love a walk that sparks curiosity and conversation, and this one does both.
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