Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

Overview

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is a hillside residential neighbourhood near Chinatown that was revitalised in 2013 with colourful murals, sculptures, and installations inspired by classic fairy tales. Walking through its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a storybook, with scenes from Oz, Pinocchio, and Korean folk tales painted on walls and stairways.

Highlights

• Fairy-tale Murals: Building-sized paintings of The Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood, and Cinderella line the alleys.
• Interactive Sculptures: Life-sized figures of Pinocchio and the Tin Man that visitors pose with.
• Rooftop Views: The village sits on a ridge, offering glimpses of the harbour between brightly painted houses.

History

Once a run-down neighbourhood facing depopulation, Songwol-dong was selected for a community art project by the Jung-gu district office in 2013. Local artists and residents collaborated to transform more than 40 buildings, turning the area into a viral tourist attraction.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Enter from the Chinatown side and walk uphill through the fairy-tale zones — the route is signposted.
• Tip 2: Respect residents' privacy; the village is still a living neighbourhood with occupied homes.
• Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour.