Chungcheongnam-do

A small alley called “Minarit-gil” (named after the Korean word “minari” meaning water parsley because large “minari”fields were in the area) in Jungang-dong of Cheonan City is attracting people with its murals calling up memories. The community has completed painting murals on 106 walls along the 800m Minarit-gil alley behind the community center and is now receiving visitors. This painting project with the theme of “Trip to Minarit-gil, the Nostalgic Alley” was launched on 28 June. To complete the 220 beautiful murals, 21 art and design students as well as residents from eight community organizations, such as a community chief association and senior residents group, have tirelessly worked together despite heat waves during the summer.

To match the images of this old maze-like alley, the murals are themed around nostalgia and memories. The long alley presents four different themes in order. The first part is trick art. The 12 Chinese zodiac signs, winter landscape and glacier, polar bears, penguins and deer are painted on the walls. The second part is for children. Paintings include trees and flowers as well as traditional custom. In addition, trick art drawings, such as tiger, pander, turtle, eagle, dragon and angel’s wings, provide popular photo ops not just for children but also for adults. The third and fourth parts present the beautiful scenery in spring and summer, cartoon characters, minari (water parsley) fields and the past and present of  Cheonan.

It takes about an hour to walk this alley reminiscing about the past and taking photos. For those who wish to savor this nostalgic journey a little more, traditional markets in the neighborhood, such as Jungang Market and Cheonil Market, are recommended.

An official from the Community Office says, “The 800m alley decorated with murals is just like an outdoor gallery,” adding that “it will become a place to recall the childhood for the middle aged.”