Penguin Village(펭귄마을) in Gwangju(광주): A Hidden Gem You Must Visit in Korea!

🐧 Penguin Village in Gwangju

A Retro-Themed Hidden Gem

Tucked away behind Yangnim-dong Community Center(양림동 주민센터), a small alley leads to a charming and unexpected sight—Penguin Village(펭귄마을).

The village got its quirky name from elderly residents who, due to knee pain, waddle like penguins when they walk. But beyond its unique name, what truly makes this place special is the nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere it offers.

Wall art featuring a cartoon penguin and a Korean crossword puzzle on a building in Penguin Village, Gwangju

Retro TV set painted with a singing blue penguin and surrounded by old kitchenware in Penguin Village, Gwangju

🏡 From Abandoned Village to a Retro Wonderland

Penguin Village wasn’t always a tourist attraction.
It was once an abandoned area, left in ruins after a fire.

🔥 Residents decided to revitalize the village by collecting discarded objects,
🏡 Turning old furniture and vintage items into street decorations,
💡 And creating an open-air retro exhibition that feels like a trip back in time.

Colorful alley in Penguin Village, Gwangju with mural-covered walls, vintage signs, and upcycled decorations

Outdoor art wall with denim pants, retro cabinets, and nostalgic messages at Penguin Village, Gwangju

One of the most touching sights in the village is a phrase written on a wall:

💬 “Let’s be grateful for those old days and for being alive today.”

This reminds visitors that the village is not just a collection of old items—it’s a living space filled with memories and community spirit.

Colorful mural of a penguin and Korean cartoon characters inspired by Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’ at Penguin Village, Gwangju

Penguin Jumak (펭귄주막), a retro-themed outdoor café decorated with pots, pans, and nostalgic items in Penguin Village, Gwangju

🐧 Penguin Bread(펭귄빵) at Penguin Village, Gwangju 🍞

A special penguin-shaped bread that you can only find at Penguin Village!

It has a soft castella-like texture with a sweet cream filling inside.

Close-up of a hand holding penguin-shaped castella bread in front of a red brick wall at Penguin Village, Gwangju

Penguin-shaped Korean snack held in front of a green mural wall at Penguin Village, a must-try local treat

✔️ Super cute – perfect for Instagram! 📸
✔️ More for fun than for the taste
✔️ Price: 8 pieces for 5,000 KRW

If you’re visiting Penguin Village in Gwangju, this is a fun little snack to try! 🐧💙

🎨 A Street Full of Handmade Crafts and Local Workshops

More than just a sightseeing spot, Penguin Village is a hub for art and craftsmanship.

Throughout the alleyways, you’ll find unique workshops and craft studios.

Wall art display of various old shoes reused as nostalgic street decoration at Penguin Village, Gwangju

Robot sculpture made from recycled gas tank and scrap metal at the entrance of Penguin Village, Gwangju

✔️ Leather Workshop – Create one-of-a-kind handmade leather goods
✔️ Textile Workshop – Experience traditional Korean fabric dyeing
✔️ Woodcraft Workshop – Make warm, nostalgic wooden crafts

At the heart of the village, there is “Penguin Jumak(펭귄주막),” a small yet cozy community space.
Here, locals gather, chat, and share stories about the village’s past and present.

🏛️ A Place Where History and Art Coexist

Since Penguin Village is located in Yangnim-dong(양림동), visitors can also explore Gwangju’s historical sites nearby.

🏠 Choi Seung-hyo’s House (최승효 가옥) – A beautifully preserved traditional Korean hanok, built in 1920. This house played a role in the Korean independence movement and is now recognized as a Gwangju Metropolitan City Folk Cultural Heritage site.

🏠 Missionary Wilson’s House (우일선 선교사 사택) – The oldest Western-style building in Gwangju, constructed in the 1920s during Korea’s missionary era. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Korean Presbyterian Church, reflecting the area’s religious heritage.

🏠 Owen Memorial Hall (오웬기념각) – Built in 1914 to honor Missionary Clement Owen, this historic site now functions as an auditorium for the Christian College of Nursing. It is designated as a Gwangju Metropolitan City Tangible Cultural Property.

Visiting these places will give you a deeper understanding of Gwangju’s past, making your trip both educational and visually inspiring.

🎨 BTS J-Hope Mural – A New Landmark in Penguin Village 🐧

While strolling through the alleys of Penguin Village, you’ll come across a stunning mural of BTS member J-Hope.

Colorful mural of BTS J-Hope with a cheerful expression, symbolizing his hometown, Gwangju, in Penguin Village, Gwangju.

Stretching 15 meters long, the mural captures J-Hope’s bright smile and a charming, comic book-style illustration, making it a true eye-catcher.

✔️ A symbolic mural representing J-Hope’s hometown, Gwangju
✔️ A must-visit spot for fans and a popular attraction for all visitors
✔️ Blends seamlessly with the artistic atmosphere of Penguin Village

If you’re visiting Penguin Village, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with this unique mural! 📸💜

Mural of BTS J-Hope striking a heart gesture in a comic book-style illustration, capturing his bright smile in Penguin Village, Gwangju.

✨ Why You Should Visit Penguin Village

✅ More than a tourist spot—a community effort to transform a forgotten neighborhood
✅ A unique blend of upcycled art and nostalgic decorations
✅ A chance to participate in handmade craft experiences
✅ A place where Gwangju’s history and culture come to life

This isn’t just a photo-taking spot—it’s a place where you can feel the stories of the past and see how a community worked together to create something truly special.

With its heartfelt messages, artistic spirit, and deep-rooted history,

Penguin Village is a must-visit destination in Gwangju. 🐧💙