Originally, Mullae-dong (in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul) was an industrial neighborhood full of steel and metal factories. Back in the 1970s and 80s, it was booming as a place where metal fabrication, machinery works, and small-to-mid-sized steel producers were active.
As time went on, many of those factories slowed down or relocated (especially through the 1990s) due to economic shifts and rising costs to operate in the city. Some industrial spaces got underused or abandoned, creating a weird sort of “blank” real estate.
Enter the artists.
Drawn by cheaper rent, big open spaces and the rough charm of industrial settings, creatives began converting workshops into studios, art spaces, cafés, etc. The area organically evolved into what is now, Mullae Arts Village (문래 예술촌 ), an area that holds a unique blend of industrial work and art. You can find alleyways with murals and metal art, often doing unexpected things with materials from the industrial side of Mullae. Also, most of the workshops are protected by shutters which are painted, turning streets into galleries with vivid outdoor murals when the factories close for the day.
There are lots of small studios and galleries, many of which are FREE and open to the public. If you’re lucky, you might catch an exhibition, art festival or even the artists at work. But Mullae isn’t just about art, it’s also a place to chill. Industrial spaces turned cafés, small restaurants, bars tucked between workshops. It’s a perfect area for café hopping, trying creative food, or grabbing a drink while you soak up the vibe.
Personally we recommend visiting in the late afternoon/evening or on the weekends, when the factories are closed. While it’s interesting to see the metal workers amongst the cafes and galleries, the fumes and noise can be a bit much if you’re out for a day of exploration. Also you’ll miss out on all the cool art on the panels if the workshops are still open.
I’d have to say Mullae Arts Village and Mullae-dong as a whole is one of Seoul’s coolest (and most underrated) hidden gems. A place where metal factories, street art, indie cafés, and artist workshops all mix together in one gritty, creative playground. If you’re into urban exploration, art, or just neighborhoods with character, Mullae is 100% worth wandering through.
Where is Mullae Art Village?
Mullae Art Village is located just outside of Mullae station on Line no. 2 (the Green line).
- 서울 영등포구 도림로128가길 13-8 (Naver Map)
- 54-37 Mullae-dong 3(sam)-ga, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul (Google Maps)
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