Everyone knows Dongpirang, but Seopirang Tongyeong deserves its own visit. Smaller and quieter than its famous sibling, Seopirang is a compact mural village built around 99 painted steps, and it has a calmer, more reflective mood.
The 99 steps
Seopirang’s fame started with these steps. Each of the 99 steps carries paintings, and along them run quotes from novelist Park Kyung-ni, who made Tongyeong her home.
The murals are not as polished as Dongpirang’s, but every step is painted, and the walls bloom with butterflies and flowers.
The quiet summit
Few crowds made the climb pleasant. At the top, Tongyeong spreads out below, more serene than the view from Dongpirang.
We sat my husband on the famous butt-shaped chair for a photo before heading down, passing more of Park Kyung-ni’s quotes on the way.
The tteokbokki shop at the end
At the trail’s end sits a tiny tteokbokki shop styled to match the village mood. We only photographed it from outside, but its cute exterior fit Seopirang perfectly.
Small and cozy, Seopirang Tongyeong holds its own against Dongpirang with atmosphere to spare.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in August 2016 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.