Korea Life & Reflections

Exploring my Neighbourhood: Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Since I started this blog I’ve written about places all over Korea. I’ve even written about a few places outside of Korea. So it’s funny that I’ve never thought to write about the place where I’ve actually lived for the past 2 years- the place where I spend the majority of my time and that’s shaped my experience the most significantly.

It’s become second nature for us to only share the highlights of our lives on social media, and it’s something I’m guilty of too. While I’ll happily post photos of hidden temples and mountain tops on instagram, I hardly feel inclined to share a photo of my cramped daily bus ride or my boring packed lunch.  The same thing goes for my city too. I’ll share all the places that I escape to on the weekend, but I don’t really feel like the streets that I walk through every day deserve their place on my Instagram feed. I might live here, but it’s not a highlight.

Changwon City, where I live, is a city of 1.5 million people. That is A LOT by Scottish city standards. Quick fact for you- only 5 million people live in Scotland and our biggest city, Glasgow, is only home to around 600,000 people. While Changwon City definitely trumps Glasgow in numbers, there are a few things that it’s definitely lacking. Creativity and diversity being the most obvious things that spring to mind.

To state the obvious, Korea isn’t a country well known for its creativity. In my first year that bothered me a lot- I didn’t like seeing everyone driving the same silver Hyundai car, I didn’t like the fact that every street had the exact same shops and that every building looked the same. That’s why I was so excited to hear about Changdong Art Village.

Changdong art village is a maze of tiny alleyways filled with murals, independent restaurants and coffee shops, and little art shops selling intricately made handcrafts. It’s a complete contrast to the grey concrete streets that surround it.

The place is a rose among the thorns. A nice little remnant of my past city life. My own little “Byre’s Road” in the heart of Asia.

I usually feel the need to travel out of my city to find and capture the beauty of Korea and sometimes forget to focus on what’s within my reach. So today, for the first time, I’m going to show a little bit of my stomping grounds to the internet. But staying true to form, I’m just going to show you one of the highlights and one of the things I love about my life here. My little safe haven. Changdong Art Village.

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

IMG_5739edit

IMG_5736edit

IMG_5743edit

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

Changdong Art Village

 

What do you think? Is this the kind of place that you’d like to wander around? Do you have a place that you like to escape to? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Changdong Art Village

If you love this post, then pin it for later!

You Might Also Like

  • Marge Gavan
    3rd July 2016 at 9:12 am

    The place looks beyond cute! All those art are amazing! And it’s around your neighborhood too, that’s very lucky of you. I have always wanted to go to Korea, when I finally do, I will definitely make a trip to see Changdong’s art village.
    Marge Gavan recently posted…Music Overdose at Fete de la Musique 2016My Profile

    • Nicole Louise
      4th July 2016 at 9:05 am

      Amazing, if you ever do visit make sure to get in touch 🙂

  • tom
    3rd July 2016 at 11:58 am

    I like when people discover their own neighborhoods, especially the expatriates who suddenly realize they’re living in a place that other people might enjoy visiting. Cheers, then.

    • Nicole Louise
      4th July 2016 at 9:08 am

      Me too, we should definitely try to appreciate what’s right on our doorsteps 🙂

  • Vicki Louise
    3rd July 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Thanks for introducing us to your backyard – it looks super cute and a lovely place to live! No wonder you’re still there after 2 years!
    Vicki Louise recently posted…48 Hours in Vienna: Top 10 Things To DoMy Profile

    • Nicole Louise
      4th July 2016 at 9:03 am

      Thanks, it’s so lovely 🙂

  • Castaway with Crystal
    3rd July 2016 at 10:44 pm

    Awwww well aint that just the cutest? I’d love to get lost in those alleys for hours! I live in a very artsy Suburb in Sydney so I’m surrounded by this! Love it 🙂
    Castaway with Crystal recently posted…Guide to Darwin and SurroundsMy Profile

  • Elisa
    5th July 2016 at 5:03 am

    It seems that you picked one of the coolest places to live in Korea! But WHY Korea?!

    • Nicole Louise
      5th July 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Hey Elisa! Korea is actually an amazing place for English teachers with loads to explore and great food 🙂

  • Tom
    5th July 2016 at 6:56 am

    There is a lot of cool and funky street art going on there! Amazing what you can find on your doorstep at times!

    • Nicole Louise
      5th July 2016 at 3:32 pm

      I agree, Tom 🙂

  • Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
    5th July 2016 at 12:03 pm

    Korea is high up on my list! Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂
    Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren recently posted…Top 3 Reasons To Visit Ventura, California! [VIDEO below]My Profile

    • Nicole Louise
      5th July 2016 at 3:32 pm

      I hope you get the chance to visit one day, Lauren!

  • Samantha
    6th July 2016 at 12:06 am

    Ahh I love this cute spot! I wish Busan had more of this!!!

  • Carmen's Luxury Travel
    6th July 2016 at 4:48 pm

    Yes, please! I’d love to visit Changdong. Thanks for posting and happy travels 🙂
    Carmen’s Luxury Travel recently posted…Eat, Stroll, Love In Le Marais – ParisMy Profile

    • Nicole Louise
      7th July 2016 at 5:13 am

      It’s super cute. Hope you get the chance to visit Korea one day ?

  • Korea Off the Beaten Path: Masan Maritime Movie Set - Wee Gypsy Girl
    15th February 2017 at 9:15 pm

    […] not often that I spend my weekends exploring Masan but, when I do, it often surprises me. After returning back from India I was disappointed to have left the country […]

  • Show Buttons
    Hide Buttons