Photos

Dongpirang was once on the verge of being destroyed due to redevelopment plans, but thanks to the civil group TYagenda 21's ``Paint the Streets of Dongpirang With Colors and Sketches'' campaign, university art majors and others helped decorate the old walls, fences, stairs, chimneys and even water tanks with various paintings.

As the village turned bright with colorful drawings, plus the fact that the Gangguan Port is right below, Dongpirang became Korea's Montmartre, attracting tourists during weekends and even on weekdays.

As it became a popular tourist spot, the plans of purchasing the whole area, restore Dongporu, a battle fort, and create a park around it was canceled.

``There were only village people here in the past, but now students come to paint the walls, take pictures of my house and even me. I like it. I guess the people who came to take pictures said something to the city, I hear that they are not going to tear down the village. We are grateful,'' Hwang Du-ri, who lived more than 20 years in the village, said.
FROM: koreatimes.co.kr