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ByPetra Udomprasert Updated on

Ihwa Mural Village: Ultimate Guide to Seoul’s Hidden Gem

Is Ihwa Mural Village still worth visiting in 2026, or has it become just a tourist trap?

I personally love the place for how quiet it was, so I’ll always keep going back whenever I visit Seoul (17 times and counting). But it can be underwhelming if you go out of your way just to see the village.

However, if you combine the village visit with a walk along the Naksan City Wall, like I did, it can become the most peaceful and most memorable afternoon of your time in Seoul.

The entrances to the village are a bit inconspicuous, so I’ll show you all the walking routes, tell you which murals are still there, and which of the cute cafes I love the most.

And just like the locals, you’ll go for the murals once, then go back for the cafes and vibes!

Where Is Ihwa Mural Village?

Ihwa Mural Village is located in the Ihwa-dong neighborhood of Seoul, at the base of Naksan Park and along the Seoul Fortress Wall.

Because it sits on top of a hill, the locals give it the nickname “Daldongne (달동네),” which means Moon Neighborhood. There are several in Seoul that gives you amazing views of the night sky.

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A scenic night view in Ihwa Mural Village, featuring a quiet, cobblestone street illuminated by string lights and a cozy café on the right. The surrounding trees and lights create a warm atmosphere, with the distant city skyline glowing softly under a dark, starless sky. The scene captures the village's serene and artistic charm at night.

A Quick History of Ihwa Mural Village

Ihwa-dong was originally packed with war refugees.

After the end of the Korean War in 1953, refugees rebuilt homes wherever they could, mostly higher up in the hills. This was one of those hills.

This resulted in a village filled with lower-income refugees and older people who could no longer work for a living.

A Village Scheduled for Demolition

As the country grew, more prosperous neighborhoods emerged in other parts of the city.

By the early 2000s, younger people were moving out of Ihwa-dong in search of better homes, and Ihwa-dong fell into decay and was designated for demolition.

Becoming a Mural Village Through an Art Project

In 2006, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism launched the “Art in the City” initiative to revitalize rundown neighborhoods in Seoul.

A staircase in Ihwa Mural Village, lined with handrails and surrounded by charming residential buildings. A colorful mural of roses decorates a wall on the right, adding artistic flair to the quaint and narrow alley. Overhead wires and a utility pole complete the urban yet artistic atmosphere of the village.

A part of that initiative was the Naksan Project, which involved over 70 volunteers and college students painting colorful murals on the walls of Ihwa-dong.

It revitalized the neighborhood, but it also brought unwanted attention to the residents. Tourists flooded the village to take photos of the murals while littering and peeking into homes.

A narrow uphill alley in Ihwa Mural Village, bordered by colorful murals, brick buildings, and small shops. A steep staircase with handrails ascends between the houses, leading to the upper part of the village. Overhead power lines and a cloudy sky add to the quaint, urban charm of this artistic neighborhood.
A scenic downhill staircase from the north entrance, flanked by artistic cafés and greenery on either side. The cloudy sky and distant view of city rooftops create a serene yet urban vibe, with decorative string lights adding a touch of warmth to the charming street. Handrails and small signs guide visitors through this picturesque destination.

For the first 10 years after the initial project, there were multiple disputes between the government ordering the art projects and the residents who continuously erased most of the murals.

As time passed, with more efforts to include residents in the project while educating visitors to respect privacy, the gap between the two demographics slowly started to close.

Today, although most of the original murals have been erased, you can still see a handful.

How to Get to Ihwa Mural Village

There are two ways to get to the village, one is from exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, and the other is from the Naksan Seoul Fortress Wall Trail.

Although you’ll have to walk uphill to some degree whichever way you enter from, the fortress wall is a bit more strenuous than walking from Hyehwa Station.

Route 1: From Hyehwa Station (Easy and Direct)

To start your journey from Hyehwa, take the metro line 4 (light blue) to Hyehwa Station. From the station, take exit 2, then walk a few steps, and you’ll come to the edge of Maronnier Park.

Turn right there, and you’ll notice signs for Ihwa Mural Village on the streets. Simply follow the signs northwest and uphill.

You can take a look at the map below for reference.

A colorful illustrated map of Ihwa Mural Village, highlighting key attractions, walking trails, and mural locations. The map features a "Mural Village Walking Tour Course" with marked routes, icons for murals, and nearby amenities like cafes and parks. Instructions for visitors, such as "Please Be Quiet, People Live Here," are prominently displayed, blending practical information with vibrant artwork.

I don’t recommend following this walking trail JUST to find the murals.

Although this map has the clearest instructions to reach the village, it is from years ago. A lot of the murals listed here are no longer there. The good news is that many new ones also popped up!

Now, let’s look at my preferred way to enter the village.

Route 2: Via the Naksan Fortress Trail (Recommended)

The Naksan Seoul City Wall is a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) hiking trail that runs from Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun) to Hyehwamun (Dongsomun).

After about 15 minutes of hiking, you will find multiple entrances into the village.

A detailed map of Ihwa Mural Village showing multiple entrances and key landmarks, including the Seoul City Wall Trail. The map highlights the "North Entrance," "South Entrance," and entrances from inside and outside the fortress wall, along with marked steep stairs for navigation. Clear labels and paths guide visitors through the village and surrounding areas.

In the map above, you’ll see three entrances to the village from inside the wall and one from outside the wall. The red dotted lines on the map are all the unmarked walking paths inside the village.

A row of modern wooden pavilions with open sides and slanted roofs, situated on a paved walkway surrounded by greenery. People are visible in the background, enjoying the peaceful outdoor space. The setting combines functional design with a serene, natural environment.
To access the south entrance from the fortress wall, take the stairs off the trail when you see these 2 pavilions.
The entrance to Ihwa Mural Village featuring a stone-paved pathway flanked by greenery and quaint residential buildings. A blue map sign with directions stands on the right, indicating the village's layout. The vibrant flowers and traditional architecture create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
You’ll find the current map of the village at the south entrance
A quiet street leading into Ihwa Mural Village, with a parked motorcycle on the left and a staircase descending toward the village on the right. The scene is surrounded by trees and greenery, with a blue map sign visible near the stairs. In the background, the urban skyline under a cloudy sky creates a contrast with the serene village atmosphere.
You’ll find this entrance coming from the north (Hyehwamun or Naksan Park) along the fortress wall.
A historic stone gate at the entrance of Ihwa Mural Village, part of the Seoul City Wall, featuring large gray bricks and small rectangular windows. The path leading to the gate is paved with red bricks, and an informational sign provides details about the structure and its history. The scene reflects the blend of cultural heritage and modern exploration.
If you’re starting the fortress wall trail from Heunginjimun and taking the outer trail, this will be your only entrance into the village, about 10-15 minutes north.
A small community garden, featuring neatly planted rows of green vegetables surrounded by a wooden border. A sign with Korean text and floral decorations marks the garden, while a modern white house and stone walls form the backdrop. The garden adds a touch of nature and sustainability to the village's artistic setting.
Entering from the outer trail, you’ll emerge into the village garden.

The Murals You’ll Find Inside

Expect to climb some stairs and steep paths at the village as you look for the most recent murals.

The village is very quiet, with minimal tourists and noises. As you reach the cafe strip at the top, however, expect to see some cafe-goers and local crowds.

As I’ve mentioned, many of the original murals that became famous a decade ago are no longer there. Below are some new ones you’ll see as of May 2025. I promise they’re just as lovely!

A vibrant mural of white angel wings painted against a blue sky with clouds on the wall of a building in Ihwa Mural Village. Potted flowers and plants in colorful containers line the base of the mural, adding to the cheerful atmosphere. Pink and pastel buildings in the background enhance the artistic charm of the scene.

Angel Wings: I can’t skip this one since it’s one of the most iconic murals. I believe it was originally in a different spot but got painted over.

Nowadays, you can find it at the bottom of the south stairs in the main village area.

The following murals, you’ll find along the 2 steep stairs in the main village area. Refer to the village map above to see which stairs I’m talking about.

A wall mural depicting an elderly couple, with the woman seated on a chair holding a cane and the man standing beside her wearing glasses and a vest. A loyal dog lies at their feet, and vibrant purple flowers frame the artwork on both sides. The mural celebrates community and family in a warm and picturesque setting.
A serene mural depicting a white vase holding delicate branches with blooming flowers, set against a pale yellow wall. A bright, stylized sun appears in the top left corner, adding warmth to the minimalistic design. The mural exudes simplicity and elegance, complementing the natural surroundings.
A vibrant mural featuring colorful koi fish swimming against a deep blue background, painted on the walls of a corner building. The artwork extends to a sunset landscape on the adjacent wall, with a mountain and a tower in the distance. The scene is lively and artistic, reflecting the village's creative atmosphere.
A chalkboard wall in Ihwa Mural Village with the prompt "Before I die..." written at the top, followed by numerous handwritten responses in various languages. The weathered wall is filled with personal aspirations and dreams, showcasing a community-driven and reflective art piece. Overhead wires and adjacent structures add an urban backdrop to this interactive installation.

This last one especially tickles if you can read Korean. The mural features multiple lines saying “Before I die, I would like to [blank].” And naturally, people have fun with it.

One of the lines says, “Before I die, I would like to marry Kim Ryeo Wook.” Unfortunately, the guy is married… Maybe it was his wife who wrote that ten years ago? 😂

Best Cafes and Local Food Near Ihwa Mural Village

I have to say, while Ihwa Mural Village is packed with the cutest cafes, food may not be its strongest suit. Restaurants are either Japanese, fusion, or Western food.

Considering how Koreans enjoy tonkatsu and good pasta, it makes sense. Just not my style when I’m there. With that said, below are my top 3 picks!

Cafe Reading Cat

Interior of the Reading Cat Cafe featuring a wooden bookshelf filled with books and cat-themed decor next to a red-framed glass door. The rustic wooden ceiling adds charm, while the door opens to a view of a stone wall and outdoor area. Framed art and a "Beware: Cat on patrol" sign enhance the cozy, cat-inspired ambiance.
A refreshing iced latte served in a glass on a gray tray at the Reading Cat Cafe, accompanied by a small spoon and napkin. The outdoor seating offers a picturesque view of the Seoul skyline and greenery, blending urban and natural elements for a relaxing experience. The serene ambiance complements the cafe's cozy charm.
A cozy interior of the Reading Cat Cafe featuring sleek tables and chairs in black and white, surrounded by a warm wooden wall with illuminated shelves displaying various cat-themed figurines and art. The cafe's inviting ambiance is enhanced by wooden ceiling beams and green plants near the window, offering a serene and creative space.

This was the first cafe that caught my attention while hiking the Fortress Wall. So, naturally, when I visited the village, I came here. It’s become one of my favorite cafes in Seoul.

The owner was super sweet. The coffee was delicious, but the serene view of the City Wall and the garden did it for me.

Cafe Nakta Quarry Observatory

A striking modern architectural structure of Cafe Nakta, featuring a glass-enclosed extension elevated on a concrete pillar. The building juts out over greenery, offering an airy and futuristic design under an overcast sky.
A serene interior view of Cafe Nakta featuring a row of transparent chairs lined against a glass window overlooking a panoramic cityscape. The decor includes wood-paneled walls and artificial turf flooring, blending nature with modern design.

This place isn’t inside Ihwa but about a 15-minute walk away.

I stumbled upon it while strolling around a hillside neighborhood. It surely doesn’t look like your average cafe. You have to take an elevator to enter.

A refreshing iced drink served in a Cafe Nakta glass with a camel logo, placed on a floral-patterned tray by a window. The view outside features lush greenery and a city skyline, with Korean text artistically displayed on the window glass.

There are unique, cheesy pickup lines on the windows. Stuff like “Marry me, pretty please.” or “I’m always on your side.” but in cutesy Korean speech. It gave me a good laugh.

Kongnamul Gukbap

Exterior of Gongnamul Gukbap, a cozy local restaurant with orange and yellow signage displaying menu highlights like soybean sprout soup. The building is located along a sloping street with visible power lines and a small entrance inviting diners inside.
A hearty meal of soybean sprout soup (gukbap) served in a black ceramic bowl alongside steamed rice and a variety of side dishes including kimchi, pickled radish, and chili paste. The wooden table setting includes condiments and a cozy interior wall backdrop.
Interior of Gongnamul Gukbap, a local restaurant, featuring a bright green menu board with Korean dishes and their prices, such as soybean sprout soup and ginseng chicken soup. The cozy setup includes dining tables and a wall shelf with condiments.

This last recommendation is a lunch or dinner spot. Again, I found it accidentally while hiking the Fortress Wall, around a 15-minute walk north of the village.

It is 100% locally run, super small, and cozy. You won’t find anything in English here, so have your Papago camera ready to translate the menu!

Important Reminders Before You Go

This is a real village with people inside their homes, not just a tourist attraction. Respecting the local community should be top of mind at all times!

  • Don’t enter or peek into homes. While it’s okay to take pictures of the murals on the walls, avoid sticking your camera into any window or door.
  • Keep your voice down. This includes both your talking voice AND walking noise. Avoid excitedly running up and down the stairs while yelling photography instructions to your friend.
  • Avoid photographing people. If you’re about to get the perfect shot when a resident exits the home, wait for them to leave before snapping.
  • Leave no trace. No, there’s absolutely no need to scribble your name and the year you visit on some wall. Carry any trash you have with you instead of littering inside the village.

My Recommended Guided Hike to Ihwa Mural Village

If you have less time and prefer to explore on a faster pace, this guided night hike of the city wall is a solid option. It’s the only experience in Seoul that takes you to Ihwa as part of the itinerary.

Coincidentally, I was admiring the night view from the city wall when he passed by with a group so I… eavesdropped 😬

He gives solid cultural and historical background with jokes sprinkled in. His tour mates were smiling from ear to ear, and so did I! 😂

🌃 Join the nighttime historical hike with a local 👈

Browse the rest of my South Korea guides for more ideas.

Helpful Travel Tips for South Korea

Most visa-free visitors to South Korea need a K-ETA in order to enter Korea. Check if you need one and apply about a week before you travel. This replaces the arrival form.

Read up on how to get from Incheon into the city, so you don’t run into surprises.

Don’t forget to learn some important dos and don’ts in Korean culture, as well as some useful Korean phrases, before you arrive!

Find a Place to Stay in Seoul

Looking for somewhere to stay? Use the map below! Feel free to refer to my guide on Seoul neighborhoods and figure out which area suits your needs best!

Grab My South Korea E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

Want All the Information in One Place?

Consider grabbing a digital copy of my 83-page ultimate digital guidebook for Seoul, where you’ll not only get recommendations on the best hotels in each neighborhood but also the top sights!

A promotional image for the 'Cultural Traveler’s Seoul Digital Guide,' showcasing the cover of the digital travel guide displayed on a tablet. To the right, a blue text box lists key features, including coverage of main attractions and hidden gems, curated restaurants and hotels, clickable addresses, and budgeted itineraries. Below, sample pages display an itinerary map, a budget breakdown, and photos of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

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Petra Udomprasert is a career immersive travel blogger and the founder of Polyglot Petra. Believing in travel as a force that inspires empathy and respect in our world, she writes travel guides that deeply explore the history and culture of every destination she visits, leveraging her fluency in five different languages to access the local perspective. Through her immersive guides and localized language tips, she has helped tens of thousands of travelers enjoy trips that leave lasting positive impacts on their lives.