Once wealthiest city in Korea returns as Changdong Art Village

Chosun.com Media Report Team media@chosun.com

 <An alley in Changdong Art Village>

The greatest city of Gyeongnam during the 1970s and '80s was Masan. A renowned city of wealth, the most expensive fashion brands used to best sold there. 

But the city's heyday didn't last long when stores quickly ran out of business. And finally in 2010, it integrated into Changwon along with Jinhae. 

Although tourists can no longer see the riches of Masan, a new form of delight has taken hold, attracting throngs of people each year: an art village! 

The main theme of Changdong Art Village is urban revitalization through art. A stylish combination of modern urban life and historical Masan culture is what paved the way to founding the three main alleys in the village: the Tattoo Art Alley, Masan Art Trace Alley and Ecole des Changdong Alley.

<Changdong Art Village is filled with signposts guiding ways to handicraft workshops and art studios.>

Each street in Changdong Art Village is filled with murals and installation art pieces that will guarantee you a pleasant journey.

The most famous eateries of Masan in the past are also introduced in the village, such as Changdong Bokhee House, Koryeodang and Koayang. 

<The art village provides various experience programs that teach tourists how to make bracelets and earthenware among others.>

Keep on walking through the maze-like art village, and you'll soon arrive at Burim Market, once the liveliest area in Masan up until the 1990s.

Unfortunately, you can't catch the typical scenes of local markets like Koream ajummas haggling with merchants and people dining outdoors, but the new Craft Village founded late last year will guide you to new forms of entertainment. 

Explore the world of Korean traditional paper hanji, cloisonne work and ceramics in a variety of handicraft workshops. There are also experience programs visitors can take part in, so raise a hand for a closer look into traditional art! 

<A mailbox in the art village>

※ Travel tip

Address: 134-2 Chang-dong, Masan Happo-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam

Contact: 055-245-1148 

Homepage: http://cafe.naver.com/cac50/