The murals were created through a community art project designed to revitalize a neighborhood previously associated with the declining industrial port.
Nongoldam-gil translates to 'Nongol Alley Road,' named after the village's original name, Nongol, which once served as a major center for the Pollock fishing industry.
The village was constructed by migrants who settled on the hillside during the industrial boom of the 1970s and 1980s.
The path layout is intentionally labyrinthine to reflect the original unplanned architecture of the settlement.
Nongoldam-gil Road is an uphill alleyway village transformed from a former shanty town into a mural-covered cultural district in Mukho Port, Donghae. The area features steep, winding narrow paths decorated with paintings and sculptures depicting the lives of local fishermen and their families. It is divided into three distinct paths—Nongol 1-gil, 2-gil, and 3-gil—which converge at the summit near the Mukho Lighthouse. The walls showcase the village's history, reflecting the golden age of the local Pollock industry. Visitors walk past restored traditional houses that now serve as small workshops and viewing platforms. The design emphasizes the natural topography of the hillside, offering an unobstructed view of the East Sea. It remains an active residential area, requiring visitors to respect the privacy of local inhabitants.
The viewing platform near the Mukho Lighthouse summit providing a panoramic view of the harbor and the sea.
Wear comfortable, supportive sneakers as the entire route consists of steep inclines and stone staircases.
Carry a bottle of water, as there are limited shops along the upper sections of the steep paths.
Follow the directional signage carefully to ensure you reach the Mukho Lighthouse summit without missing key mural sections.
Attempting to climb the stairs in formal footwear or flip-flops; ignoring signage that marks private residential property.
Maintain a low voice volume as the site is a functional residential area; do not peek into open windows or enter private courtyards.
