Retro Sentiment Trip Course

① Mokpo Modern History Museum 1 (Former Japanese Consulate)

② (Former) Mokpo Administration Office library and Air-raid Shelter

③ Yeonhee's Supermarket

④ Seosan-dong Mural Alley

⑤ Borimadang Alley

⑥ Filming Location of "Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol"

⑦ Overwater Cable Car (North Port Station)

Mokpo, also known as the "Romantic Port," flourished remarkably since its autonomous opening in 1897, growing into a modern city. At one time, Mokpo was so prosperous that it was referred to as one of the "three major ports and six major cities." As a city central to modern and contemporary history, from its port history through the Japanese occupation and post-liberation, Mokpo is filled with buildings still bearing traces of its modern history. While the 'retro trend' is resurfacing across generations, Mokpo stands out as inherently retro, not artificially crafted but as a living testament to its history, enhanced by its artistic sensibility fitting of a 'romantic port'. Let's embark on a journey to the beautiful city of Mokpo.

Mokpo Modern History Museum Hall 1 has become a must-visit hotspot and tourist destination, especially after gaining fame as a filming location for the drama . The building, formerly used as the Japanese Consulate, is particularly striking with its combination of red and white bricks, making it a visually appealing spot that draws in visitors.

This oldest and largest building in Mokpo, which was initially a part of Manhocheong (Mokpojin), a naval base during the Joseon Dynasty, was temporarily used as a consulate after the opening of Mokpo Port in October 1897. As the influx of Japanese residents in Mokpo increased, a new building was constructed in 1900 at its current location, moving the consulate there. It is Mokpo's first Western-style modern building and a nationally designated cultural heritage site, maintaining its original interior and exterior. After liberation, it served various roles, including Mokpo City Hall, a public library, and Mokpo Cultural Center. Since 2014, it has been operating as Mokpo Modern History Museum 1, a historical exhibition hall where you can explore everything from the beginnings of Mokpo to its modern history, rightfully called a 'treasure trove of modern history.'

Before Mokpo's port opening, spanning from the Joseon Dynasty to the present, the museum is divided into seven themes. The journey begins on the 1st floor in Zones 1-2, moves up to the 2nd floor for Zones 3-5, and then returns to the 1st floor for Zones 6-7. The museum's diverse visual materials and exhibits explain how Mokpo has changed and developed over time, making each zone an interesting visit.

1. Starting as Mokpojin: The role and appearance of Mokpojin as a naval defense position in the southwestern sea of the Korean Peninsula.

2. Rebirth as a Port City: Mokpo's voluntary port opening in 1897 and its rise as a renowned city of rice, cotton, and salt.

3. The Frontline of Resistance: The history of resistance against the Japanese Consulate, Oriental Development Company, Mokpo Prison, and Mokpo Police Station, including the March 1st and April 8th Independence Movements and youth movements.

4. Spread of Foreign Cultures: The propagation of various cultures, education, and religions like Christianity, Catholicism, and Dongbonwonsa (Japanese Buddhism).

5. Era of Popular Culture: Establishment of theaters and Peace Hall, modern film screenings, performances, popular music, and vibrant cultural activities.

6. Join the Independence Movement: A visitor experience corner themed around the April 8, 1919 Independence Movement.

7. Special Exhibition on Modern City Architecture: Various modern buildings constructed post-port opening, incorporating foreign influences.  

Zone 6, which allows visitors to experience the Independence Movement, also features a small recreation of the set from the drama ‘Hotel Del Luna,’ popular among all age groups. The familiarity of the filming location from the drama added freshness to the experience. By the time visitors finish exploring the comprehensive two-story Zone 7, they can understand why the museum is called a 'treasure trove of modern history.' It offers a rich exploration of Mokpo's independence movement, modern religion, education, and cultural facets. 

After exploring the significant historical sites of Mokpo, I continued my journey to another notable location - the (Former) Mokpo Administration Office library and Air-raid Shelter and Air-raid Shelter. These sites, carrying the pain and history of the past, are located behind the Mokpo Modern History Museum 1.

When Mokpo was developed into one of the 12 'Bu' (provincial level cities) following its opening in 1897, the Japanese Consulate building was repurposed as the Mokpo Administration Office library and Air-raid Shelter. This building now serves as the Mokpo Modern History Museum 1. The (Former) Mokpo Administration Office library and Air-raid Shelter was constructed as a separate facility to store administrative documents during its time as a government office. It's said that prisoners from the Mokpo Prison were forced to construct this building.

Adjacent to the Mokpo Administration Office library and Air-raid Shelter is an air-raid shelter, a remnant of war preparations. This military defense structure was built to protect against aerial bombings. During the Taepyeongyang War period, the Japanese forcibly used Korean labor to construct these shelters, including those in Yudalsan and Kohado in Mokpo.

Stepping inside the air-raid shelter in Yudalsan, with a total length of about 90 meters, there's a space for experiencing air-raid sheltering and another area recreating the forced labor conditions of our ancestors under Japanese rule. It felt surreal, almost as if stepping back over a hundred years into the past.

The storage, built to protect important documents, and the air-raid shelter, designed for protection against air raids, both represent efforts to 'protect' something. They stand as spaces imbued with our ancestors' painful sacrifices, sweat, and tears.

Next on the retro journey, I time-traveled to 1987 at 'Yeonhee's Supermarket,' a familiar setting from the movie "1987." Located at the entrance of Seosan-dong Mural Alley, this place takes you back to the typical neighborhood stores of the past.

The store, still preserved as it was during the filming of "1987," holds various items from that era, including briquettes, household goods, snacks, freezers, and radios. The props used in the movie are displayed, vividly bringing the film scenes to life. The place feels like a portal to another world, transcending time and space.

Despite being only about 40 years in the past, the store's appearance and interior evoke a sense of a much older era. It's fascinating how the passage of time can feel so profound!

The interior and exterior of the store are constantly bustling with tourists, making it a popular photo spot. It’s a great destination for families, where young visitors can learn about their parents' generation, and the older generation can reminisce about their past.

After passing Yeonhee's Supermarket and continuing along the road, Seosan-dong Mural Alley unfolds. True to its name, this romantic alley is adorned with poetry and paintings.

Seosan-dong Mural Village, nestled at the foot of Yudalsan in Mokpo, is a quintessential fishing village. Its alleyways, preserved from the undeveloped coastal village of the 1970s and 80s, allow visitors to fully experience the lifestyle and sentiment of that era. Since 2015, Seosan-dong residents and poets have collaborated to write poems about the village, and artists have created murals with themes fitting Seosan-dong, such as sea fishing and landscapes, infusing the village with artistic charm.

Each alleyway is so picturesque that tourists frequently stop to take photos, moving quietly to avoid disturbing the residents. Walking along these charming alleys, even the uphill paths felt effortless, providing a healing experience.

There are three paths leading up to Seosan-dong Mural Alley, culminating in Borimadang Alley. The area was once a barley field, named Borimadang because it was a sun-drenched place where barley or rice was dried after harvest. Fitting the theme of 'retro sentiment travel,' even the name itself is beautiful.

From atop Borimadang, the entire Seosan-dong area is visible, with cobalt blue rooftops closely nestled together, creating a breathtaking view of the beautiful fishing village. The clear blue autumn sky further enhances the beauty, opening up the heart and refreshing the eyes.

Continuing along Borimadang, the end of the third alley of Seosan-dong Mural Alley is the filming location of the drama "Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol."

The drama's set, 'Jin Hair' salon and 'Happiness Florist,' are preserved as they were during filming.

Inside the florist, various props, including the rainbow-colored piano played by the protagonist, are displayed along with snapshots of drama scenes, bringing the drama to life.

The florist and salon are interconnected, with the salon exuding an old-fashioned charm reminiscent of a local 'hairdressing shop.'

From Yeonhee's Supermarket at the entrance of Seosan-dong Mural Alley, through the beautiful three-way alleys, to the open Borimadang and finally Jin Hair and Happiness Florist, the village scenery evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood memories.

The final destination of the retro trip is the Overwater Cable Car in Mokpo, where you can experience the ultimate in sentimentality!

The Mokpo Overwater Cable Car is the 'longest cable car route in Korea,' stretching a total of 3.23 km. Starting from North Port Station, the route goes non-stop through Yudalsan Station to Gohado Station, bending in a 'ㄱ' shape from the top of Yudalsan over the sea to Gohado. When returning from Gohado to North Port, passengers can freely disembark and reboard at Yudalsan Station.

The cable car operates two types of cabins: regular and crystal cabins with transparent glass floors. Riding in a crystal cabin, enjoying the cool sea and Mokpo scenery below, is a breathtaking experience. Particularly, the 5th tower of the cable car route, while moving from Yudalsan to Gohado, is the second highest cable car tower in the world, standing at 155 meters. The overwhelming ride distance and height, combined with beautiful scenery, make it one of the best routes in Asia, offering a thrilling and breathtaking experience unique to Mokpo.

Whether it's during the day with clear blue skies and seas, evening sunsets, or beautiful nights, the Mokpo Marine Cable Car offers a year-round beautiful view of Mokpo. Each ride promises to be a fresh and exciting experience, making it a highly recommended must-visit tourist attraction in Mokpo.

'Yehyang' is a term used to describe a town that enjoys art and produces many artists. Mokpo is said to be the first city to use the term 'Yehyang,' and through this retro sentiment trip, I truly understood why. From its poignant modern history to contemporary culture, Mokpo is a city that truly appreciates art, style, and romance. Whether you're alone, with a partner, friends, or family, the retro trip is a great way to fully experience the rich sentimentality of Mokpo.