Visit to the Revamped Minarit-gil Mural Village
Have you ever visited an alley mural village? I enjoy walking through alleys filled with old memories, and it's special to see places that were once loved but forgotten over time regain their vibrancy. In Cheonan's Jungang-dong, there is the Minarit-gil Mural Village, which gained popularity through a urban regeneration project in 2012.
However, as time passed, the murals faded and deteriorated, causing fewer people to visit. But in April 2024, I heard that a total of 17 wall surfaces, including two trick art pieces and 15 new murals, were renovated in Jungang-dong, so I decided to revisit and see how it had changed.
The Minarit-gil Mural Village is located right next to the Jungang-dong Administrative Welfare Center. The entrance to the alleyway is beside a modern building, marking the start of a time travel experience.
In front of the building, various flags flutter alongside the Korean national flag, and around it, trees turning yellow in the fall can be seen. It's an easily accessible spot, just a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride from Cheonan Station.
The beginning of the alley feels nostalgic, reminiscent of the famous drama 'Reply 1988,' transporting you back in time with its warm, narrow paths. A sign reading 'Minarit-gil' indicates that this area was once home to minari (water parsley) and people living around a small stream. Low walls line both sides of the narrow alley, and the ground is covered in the traditional earthen path.
As you enter the alley, the first mural you encounter depicts cherry blossoms, symbolizing spring. This mural clearly shows the need for renovation, as it has faded significantly over time. The beautiful image of traditional hanoks (Korean houses) and white cherry blossoms is still captivating, though the signs of aging are evident.
Walking further, you can find a mural of a polar bear standing on the snow-covered ice. The shadowing and details make it look incredibly realistic. Behind the polar bear, fish are depicted, and the blend of blue and white gives a refreshing vibe.
As an old alley, there are many areas currently under construction or demolition. The sight of construction materials and steel frames indicates that the alley is alive and constantly changing.
On the walls of the alley, photos showcasing the past and present of Jungang-dong are displayed, illustrating the passage of time. Under the title 'Into Childhood Memories and Romance,' various photos of the alley from different periods evoke nostalgia for adults while offering new experiences to the younger generation.
As I continued walking, I encountered interesting trick art. One piece features a panda trying to climb out of a frame, set against a bamboo forest background. This unique trick art is a special charm of Minarit-gil.
Finally, I began to see the newly painted murals from 2024! The colors are vibrant and neatly done, contrasting sharply with the faded old murals. The themes expressed in these new pieces primarily reflect traditional aspects, which is meaningful given Cheonan's rich cultural heritage.
Among the new murals is one titled 'Traditional Market Scene of Joseon Dynasty,' depicting people in hanbok (traditional Korean attire) buying and selling goods at the market, showcasing the long history of Cheonan.
As I walked along, I discovered a special tiled mural depicting a map of Cheonan from 1872. This historical piece is a reproduction of a map held at the Kyujanggak, Seoul National University, showcasing the mountains, rivers, and buildings of Cheonan in a traditional style.
In conclusion, my visit to the revamped Minarit-gil Mural Village in 2024 was a delightful experience. The newly added murals reflecting Cheonan's history and traditions, alongside the coexistence of faded old murals, create a space where the past and present breathe together.
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