A few years ago, while I was living and working in South Korea, I visited an area in Northwestern Seoul called Gaemi Maeul which literally translates to “Ant Village“.
It is a small community of around 400 residents who live high above the city at the foot of Mount Ingwangsan. They received that name which truly describes their hard work. Elderly workers go up and down the winding roads and alleys and just keep a busy pace all day long. It is also one of the last “moon villages” in the country because at that height you can see the moon clearly and feel much closer to it.
I learned that back in the 1950’s, when the city was rapidly expanding following the Korean War, they were among a group of people who had arrived there because they had nowhere else to go. They were fiercely opposed to the construction of high rises in the area. Therefore they set up tents and marked their territory. Authorities let them stay and that led them to build their homes and some have been living in precarious conditions since then.
Unfortunately, residential developers have not given up and they still want to grab their hands on this very valuable piece of land. So it is only a matter of time before the inevitable happens.
In 2010, a group of art majors from neighboring universities were asked to help beautify this area, so they happily volunteered and let their imagination soar! They created some amazing art which definitely brought back the village to life and injected new energy.
This helped to draw visitors from all over the city and the country! The location was perfect for movies and documentaries broadcasted on national television.
For photographers and art lovers, like me, it was a real feast for the eyes!
One important thing I learned is to be more humble about where I live, what I have and not complain. The way these people still live today is simply admirable. They make the best they can with whatever they have!
If you are ever in Seoul, I highly recommend you go on a day trip!
Now let me take you on a photography (and colorful) tour of Gaemi Maeul: Ant Village in Seoul, South Korea
through the following images.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed the tour.
Now I am curious and would like to know something,
Would you travel just to see some awesome art?
If so, tell us where and why!
Until next time
Love always,
Kay 🙂
Traveller Soul 
I would ALWAYS travel just to see some awesome art! Love the artwork in this village – looks like a great place!
Thank you!
I also would travel just to appreciate fab creations by local artists!
I now pay more attention to my surroundings & capture beauty 😉
Which city that surprised you the most?
Thank you for stopping by!
Art and travel go hand in hand… Tells us so much about a place! I’ve been surprised in every city. If you look hard enough, there’s something lurking around each corner 🙂
Totally agree! You can find some gems in your own backyard. I did and you can see them here http://t.co/373CAr9WQe If you have a link send it my way 😉
How on earth did I spend almost 4 years in Korea and KNOW NOTHING ABOUT GAEMI MAEUL?!? It looks like EXACTLY the kind of place that I’d enjoy visiting! The street art reminds me of the artwork around Cheonan’s old town area. So colourful, and the designs make you feel happy just looking at them! Although one of the walls in Cheonan did feature an ajumma having a giant poo. That was….special.
You sure would have loved going around and admire these murals.
I read that there are over 50 around this tiny enclave!
Getting there is a good workout (going uphill) but it’s totally worth it as you can see.
Believe it or not it is only 3 stations away from Gyeongbokgung Palace!
Oh yes, i read about Cheonan too. Never made it there ;( That graphic image you described must be a major attraction 😉
TYVM for stopping by!
It’s really inspiring for me how Korea has turned the tides and gone for the better. I remember when they had almost nothing, trying to rebuild a nation that was torn apart by war. Now they are wealthier than ever. Their art and determination really defines them as a country.
South Korea is an amazing country.
I lived there for two years & would do it again in a heartbeat!
Learning about its past made me respect them more. Their strength, determination and values are inspiring!
Thank you for visiting 😉
That looks very beautiful! I would definitely (and have) travel to see some wonderful art! 😀
Thank you!
It sure is beautiful. Where would you go to see great art? 😉
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The flowers are gorgeous and I would always travel just for the art!
They sure are! Beauty is all around us and we must stop to enjoy it right? 😉
I’d love to see this amazing village. Do u have any other mural spot around Seoul? Thank you.
There are many more but I left there 4 years ago and can’t remember others. Perhaps you can look around Hongdae, very cool place 🙂