Yongcheon Roofless Art Museum: A Hidden Gem
경상북도 영천시 화산면 가래실로 364
In Yongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, there is a tranquil village that may not be flashy, but offers a sense of peace as you stroll through it.
Next to the beautiful scenery of the Sian Art Museum lies the Garaesil Cultural Village and Yongcheon Byeolbyeol Art Village, located in Hwasan-myeon, Yongcheon.
This quaint rural village resembles a small art museum where art and daily life blend seamlessly.
Each season has its unique charm, but personally, I found the winter landscape in December particularly striking.
The bare trees, quiet rice paddies, and muted colors of the village create a serene setting perfect for a peaceful walk.
Garaesil Cultural Village is a traditional rural village located in Gasan-ri, Hwasan-myeon, Yongcheon.
Surrounded by mountains, it retains a typical rural landscape with fields and small streams flowing through it.
Here, the natural beauty stands out more than artificial decorations.
This village is home to the Andong Kwon clan, the Yongcheon Lee clan, and the Pyeongsan Shin clan, having coexisted for generations.
As you walk through the village, you can feel the depth of time flowing between the houses.
The village is rich in traditional cultural resources, featuring shrines, pavilions, and ancestral graves.
These spaces have been used throughout the village's history rather than being newly created for tourism, adding to their value.
Moreover, the old rice mill, wells, ancient bus stops, remnants of earthen fortresses, abandoned houses, and dilapidated rice mills are relatively well-preserved, showcasing the past rural lifestyle.
Beyond just feeling nostalgic, the traces of life still remain, making it feel more real.
The revival of Garaesil Cultural Village under the name Byeolbyeol Art Village began when it was selected for the village art project contest hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2011.
This place is recognized as a prime example of expressing local identity through art.
Yongcheon Byeolbyeol Art Village spans Hwasan-myeon and Hwanam-myeon, featuring a total of 45 artworks installed throughout the village.
These artworks blend naturally into the everyday spaces of the village rather than being confined to exhibition halls.
Bus stops, walls, around reservoirs, abandoned houses, and old rice mills—places we might pass by without a second thought—gain new meaning through art.
This is why it is referred to as a roofless art museum.
In winter, the forms and atmosphere of the artworks are more pronounced than vibrant colors, allowing for a deeper focus on each piece.
On days when snow or frost falls, the artworks and nature create another breathtaking scene.
The quiet alleys harmonize beautifully with the winter atmosphere.
Each path offers a different ambiance, keeping boredom at bay, and the relatively well-organized signage makes it easy for first-time visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Taking your time to explore rather than rushing through is the best way to appreciate this village.
Inside Yongcheon Byeolbyeol Art Village, the Sian Art Museum, a complex cultural space showcasing contemporary art, is also located.
This allows visitors to experience both local and contemporary art, making it a great addition to your village walk.
Additionally, there are small yet fulfilling spaces such as an unmanned café, craft experience center, mural street, village history museum, and village gallery.
Although not large in scale, each visit offers its own charm.
The village is relatively well-maintained, giving a tidy impression throughout your walk.
Local specialties include peaches, grapes, and garlic.
As the rural landscape changes with the seasons, the atmosphere can feel entirely different depending on when you visit.
In winter, when visitors are relatively few, it’s a great time to enjoy the village quietly.
This place is especially recommended for those who want to gather their thoughts amidst a peaceful landscape or enjoy a leisurely walk.
If you wish to slow down amidst the busy pace of life, I recommend taking a slow walk through Yongcheon Byeolbyeol Art Village in Gasan-ri, Hwasan-myeon, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
This space reveals itself differently depending on the season and the pace of your steps.
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