Changdong Art Village
Changdong Art Village was created by redeveloping Changdong Street, a declining yet once thriving downtown of the old Masan city (now consolidated into Changwon City). As ateliers, cafes, and galleries took over the vacant stores, the empty town has been transformed into a street of art, characterized by its distinctly romantic ambiance.
A great number of unique murals and popular photo spots hide behind every corner, offering a joyful experience of exploring the alleys. The Changdong Art Village Art Center, easily spottable during one's tour of the village, displays an array of artworks by international artists and also provides tourist information.
☞ Address: 24, Odongseo 6-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Garosu-gil
The quiet neighborhood of Yongji-dong is the new up-and-coming hot spot for Changwon residents to meet and gather, thanks to its metasequoia tree road. Dubbed as the "Garosu-gil of Changwon" (after the famous Sinsadong Garosu-gil in Seoul), the area is dotted with cozy coffee shops, galleries, and art shops that draw a constant stream of visitors, especially young people. The metasequoia-lined road and the revamped buildings give off an exotic vibe, for which it is an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll with take-out coffee in hand or enjoy tea-time on one of the cafe terraces. On weekends, a flea market is held here, adding to the fun of exploring the area.
☞ Address: 24, Odongseo 6-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village
Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village can be reached by walking through the alleys leading down from Changwon City Museum. It is a small village, the walls of which are decorated with mural paintings illustrating the old landscape of Changwon, such as its sea and port, as well as other diverse themes like animals, flowers, pop art, and more.
Some of the meaningful places in the village, including its 100-year-old well and the senior citizen center, have been turned into photo zones for visitors to capture the colorful murals. Climb up the stairs flanked by these mural drawings to get a magnificent birds-eye view of Masan Port. The village is a must-visit destination in Changwon, but it is also a residential area for locals, so visitors are advised to look around quietly.
☞ Address: 15-8, Seonghoseo 7-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Changwon City Museum
Changwon City Museum is an art museum dedicated to the internationally recognized artist Moon Shin (1923–1995), who spent a good part of his life in France. The art museum was completed after 14 years of construction under the guidance of the artist himself, who also designed the building. It is comprised of three exhibition halls housing around 290 works, including this artist-slash-founder's own sculptures and oil paintings that each display a great deal of artistry. In addition, the museum is situated on the hill overlooking Masan Bay, so visitors to the museum can also take in the great scenery.
☞ Address: 147, Moonshin-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
The House of Changwon
This is a hanok (traditional Korean house) built in the Joseon Dynasty, where An Du-cheol, a fifth-generation descendant of the Sunheung An family clan, resided 200 years ago. It is an education center where visitors can learn about the traditional culture of Korea. On display inside the buildings are farming tools that were once used by Koreans, and beeswax figures reenacting scenes from the Joseon dynasty, thereby offering visitors a chance to travel back in time. Popular among photographers for its well-kept garden and architectural beauty, the House of Changwon offers use free of charge for couples holding a traditional wedding here.
☞ Address: 59, Sarim-ro 16beon-gil, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Sangsang-gil
Sangsang-gil (Imagination Road), bridging Korea and the globe, could be called a work of art created with blocks that are inscribed with the names of people who wish to visit Korea. With wave patterns painted with the five traditional colors of Korea, the road attempts to show the infinite imagination of people and their inner selves, and serve as a symbolic road that brings the people of Korea and the global village together.
☞ Address: Jungseong-dong, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do