Incheon, Mural Village – “Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village”

December 26, 2023 172 Views

Incheon’s Songwol-dong was a prestigious neighborhood where foreigners resided since its opening in 1883. However, as the village aged, the young population departed, leaving vacant houses and an elderly community. To address the inadequate living conditions in April 2013, a project themed around classic fairy tales was initiated, adorning the worn walls with murals and installing sculptures throughout the area.

Some houses were also transformed into cafes and restaurants. With the creation of the Fairy Tale Village and an increase in tourist visits, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village has become a success story among mural villages.

A Variety of Fairy Tales – Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is one of the mural villages, and as the mural village concept succeeded, many regions, including Incheon, adopted and promoted mural village projects. Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, adjacent to Incheon’s Chinatown, has become a popular destination for tourists, along with Open Port Street.

What sets Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village apart is its focus on basing all murals on various fairy tales. The motifs for murals and sculptures include Western tales such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rapunzel, Thumbelina, Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Hansel and Gretel, Bremen Town Musicians, Noah’s Ark, The Fairy and the Woodcutter, Goblin’s Club, Hongbu and Nolbu, The Tale of the Woodcutter and the Fairy, and Little Princess Sofia, among others.

It’s fascinating to see the incorporation of both Western and Korean traditional folktales into the mural art.

Connected to Chinatown – Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village seamlessly connects to Chinatown. After passing the famous Yeonkyeong 2nd Branch known for its white black bean noodles, you can find the entrance to Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village. The entrance clearly displays “Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village,” making it easy to locate. As you explore the central street of Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, you’ll discover various murals themed around different fairy tales in every alley.

If using public transportation, you can also reach the village through Incheon Station on Subway Line 1. Incheon Station, the terminal station of Subway Line 1, is conveniently located. Once you exit the station, you can easily find the entrance to Chinatown. After passing through Chinatown, you’ll find the path leading to Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village.

Trick Art Museum for Kids

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is home to a Trick Art Museum, providing an excellent destination for children. Known as “Trick Art Story,” the building itself is decorated with an appearance reminiscent of fairy tales, making it easy to spot.

Perfect for Photography

With the entire neighborhood adorned with quaint props and murals, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is an excellent spot for photography. If you visit on weekends, you’ll easily find people, whether couples, friends, or families, capturing commemorative photos.

However, it’s essential to be mindful of the fact that it’s a place where real residents live their lives. Avoid making too much noise and be considerate by not littering. It’s a shared space with residents who should be respected.

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village