The Yangnim-dong neighborhood in Gwangju, better known as Penguin Village is a creative art space close to the west bank of the Gwangjucheon river. The community is a small, creative enclave in Gwangju. It emerged from an old residential area dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, which residents transformed into a sort of open-air exhibition. The name “Penguin Village” comes from the fact that older residents with knee problems resembled penguins when they walked. Today, the village is known for its colorful murals, artwork made from recycled objects, and an unusual, nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through narrow alleys and discover creative installations that reflect the neighborhood’s history and community spirit.
You might think it’s just a junk shop, with a lot of strange stuff and hundreds of penguins, but the way all those countless items from years past are arranged and mixed in with so much other creativity, that makes the whole place a single work of art. You lose yourself in the vintage items, the nostalgic objects, and the lovingly refurbished tools, which, when presented this way, create a whole new image and have a captivating effect. You really have to see it for yourself, so we highly recommend paying a visit.
And of course, there are penguins just everywhere in all kinds. The locals have taken this nickname to heart and embrace it with joy; the entire neighborhood is dotted with penguins. There are murals painted directly on the walls, statues and sculptures, in the form of signs or as floor art, on tiles, and in every conceivable way. Made of or crafted from stone, metal, wood, plastic, porcelain, or whatever else. The place is inspiring, and you can see that creative people are at work here. We have countless photos of this amazing place, organized into different categories. Clicking on a photo or its title will take you to many more pics of that them.
If you should visit the area, definitely have a stop by the bakery and try one of their penguin-shaped pastries. Check out as well the video, in which the artist HWATAK is guiding us through the alleys and showing us the countless works of art, as well as her studio. An interview with her about her art and another one with her colleague KNOT TEACHER will follow soon.
Visiting Penguin Village – HWATAK shows us the place
Photo Archive
Artist: HWATAK
Artist: KNOT TEACHER
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