A village named for its slope
In Jeolla dialect, 'mallaengi' refers to a hillside. In Gunsan's Sinheung-dong, that name points to a neighborhood that people lived in long before it became a sightseeing spot. The city's tourism page traces housing here to the 1930s–40s and describes people displaced during the Korean War settling on the steep slopes.
Art in a place where people still live
Gunsan says artists' residences and exhibition spaces were developed under a regional tourism project from 2014. There was also an official recruitment notice for 2026 residency artists, but that does not tell us which studios and workshops are currently accessible. Be considerate around homes, avoid photographing private windows and keep noise down.
The old city from above
The county's attraction description mentions views toward the river mouth and sea from the slope toward Wolmyeongsan. The uphill lanes are part of the appeal, but also an accessibility challenge. The city lists three accessible parking spaces and accessible toilets, while noting the main approach lacks a ramp. This does not mean every alley is wheelchair-friendly.
Before visiting
The official location is around 34-5 Sinheung-dong, Gunsan, an area rather than a single building. No fixed opening hours apply to the whole residential district, and galleries may have different schedules. Do not mistake an event listed for 2025 for an ongoing event in November 2026; check current notices for specific venues.