Mullae Station

Mullae Station Seoul Visitor Guide: Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: Mullae Station’s Role in Seoul’s Evolving Urban Landscape

Located in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District, Mullae Station anchors a neighborhood that exemplifies the city’s dynamic transformation from industrial powerhouse to contemporary cultural hub. Traditionally home to Seoul’s metalworking and textile factories, Mullae-dong has reinvented itself as Mullae Art Village—a thriving enclave where gritty industrial heritage collides with vibrant street art, innovative galleries, and creative cafés. Accessible via Seoul Subway Line 2, Mullae Station is the neighborhood’s gateway and a testament to Seoul’s urban regeneration, offering visitors a rare, authentic glimpse into the city’s ongoing evolution (Visiting Mullae Station and Mullae-dong: History, Art, and Travel Tips in Seoul, Exploring Mullae Art Village: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Seoul’s Industrial Heritage, Mullae Artist Village Seoul: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Top Attractions).

Exit 3 of Mullae Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 in South Korea

Exit 4 at Mullae Station on Line 2 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway in South Korea

Mullae Station sign displayed on a supporting column in a subway station

Visitor Essentials: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Operating Hours: Mullae Station runs daily from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight. The Art Village’s public spaces are open 24/7, while most galleries and studios operate from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Tickets: No entrance fees are required for the neighborhood or most galleries. Standard subway fares apply for station access.
Accessibility: Mullae Station is equipped with elevators, escalators, and tactile paving, facilitating access for all visitors. The main streets are generally wheelchair-friendly, but some alleys may be narrow or uneven.

For transport, single-journey or rechargeable Tmoney cards are available at station kiosks. For real-time updates, use the Seoul Metro website.

History: Mullae-dong’s Industrial Legacy

Mullae-dong’s story begins as reclaimed mudflats annexed to Seoul in 1936, catalyzed by the opening of Namgyeongseong (now Yeongdeungpo) Station. Initially a textile production center—its name “mulle” meaning spinning wheel—the area shifted toward metalworking in the 1960s and 1970s, spurred by government-led industrialization. By the 1990s, over 1,300 small factories made Mullae Seoul’s metal fabrication heart. Economic shifts and rising costs, however, led to a decline, leaving many industrial spaces vacant by the end of the 20th century (Seoul Sub→urban).

Urban Transformation: Factory Floors to Creative Canvases

In the early 2000s, artists attracted by affordable rents and the area’s industrial character began converting empty factories into studios and galleries. This organic, artist-driven renewal gained momentum with city government support, including the opening of the Mullae Art Factory in 2010. Today, Mullae Art Village is a living canvas, where street art, sculptures, and experimental exhibitions have revitalized the urban fabric—creating a unique harmony between active workshops and creative spaces (Seoul Sub→urban).

Cultural Significance: The Mullae Art Village Phenomenon

Mullae Art Village stands out as a grassroots cultural district, renowned for its open-air gallery of murals, installations, and sculptures. Artists and residents collaborate on community events, exhibitions, and performances, fostering an inclusive and experimental atmosphere. The area is now a magnet for those seeking an alternative to Seoul’s polished tourist areas, offering a dynamic narrative of resilience and creative adaptation (Seoul Sub→urban).

Exploring Mullae: Practical Travel Tips

Getting There

Subway: Take Line 2 to Mullae Station. Exit 7 leads directly to the heart of the Art Village.
Bus: Numerous city buses stop near Mullae Station on Dorim-ro and Mullae-ro.
Taxi: Use the Kakao Taxi app for easy booking, especially at night.

Best Times to Visit

Weekdays: Enjoy a quieter atmosphere, perfect for exploring galleries and cafés.
Weekends: Experience cultural events, art fairs, and workshops.

Accessibility

Mullae Station provides elevators and tactile paving.
Main streets are accessible, though some alleys may be challenging for wheelchairs.

Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for real-time directions.
Translation apps like Papago are helpful, as English signage is limited.

What to See and Do: Attractions & Experiences

Ironworks Complex: A Living Urban Gallery

Wander Mullae’s narrow alleys—especially near Exit 7—to witness the interplay of active metal workshops and contemporary murals, graffiti, and installations. This raw, cinematic environment is a favorite among photographers and creatives (Trip.com Mullae Artist Village).

Galleries, Studios, and Workshops

Open Studios: Engage with artists during open studio days or pop-up exhibitions.
Workshops: Try hands-on experiences in glasswork or painting—booking ahead is advised.
Key Venues: Moonrae’s Date Glass Workshop, Self Studio Finding W, and rotating pop-up galleries.

Culinary Scene: Cafés and Eateries

Rust Bakery: Noted for artisanal pastries.
Cafe 1953 With Audrey: A specialty coffee spot with an Audrey Hepburn theme.
Munrae Afterwork Club: Famous for croffles and a relaxed vibe.
Jinsunja Egg Roll Kimbap: A go-to for classic Korean comfort food.

Nightlife: Pubs and Emotional Alleys

Mullae’s nightlife springs to life in its “emotional alleys,” where pubs like Old Munrae and Munrae Creative Village Emotional Pub host impromptu performances and art jams (Trip.com Mullae Artist Village).

Nearby Attractions

Seonyudo Park: A tranquil Han River island park, accessible via Seonyu Station.
Yeongdeungpo Market: Traditional market for local cuisine and culture.
63 Building: Iconic skyscraper with observation decks and aquarium.
Yeouido Hangang Park: Popular for riverside picnics and cycling.

Urban Regeneration: Mullae in the Seoul Context

Mullae’s revival is part of a broader city effort to regenerate aging districts through infrastructure improvements, public art, and community programming (Korea JoongAng Daily). Unlike more top-down projects, Mullae’s transformation is largely artist-driven, giving it a distinctive, organic character.

Unique Experiences & Photography Spots

Alley Exploration: Discover vibrant murals and industrial art.
Workshops & Festivals: Join painting, ceramics, or glasswork sessions.
Photo Ops: The Ironworks Complex and Dorim-ro-141-ga-gil offer striking backdrops.

Itinerary Suggestions

Morning: Arrive at Mullae Station, explore the Ironworks Complex.
Midday: Visit galleries or join a workshop.
Lunch: Sample local bakeries or kimbap.
Afternoon: Relax at themed cafés or browse vintage shops.
Evening: Experience rooftop bars and bohemian pubs.

FAQ

Q: What are Mullae Station’s operating hours?
A: Approximately 5:30 AM to midnight daily.

Q: Are there entrance fees?
A: No, entry to Mullae Art Village and public art spaces is free. Some workshops or exhibitions may charge.

Q: How do I get there from downtown Seoul or the airport?
A: Take Line 2 to Mullae Station (Exit 7). From Incheon Airport, transfer via AREX at Hongik University Station.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local groups offer walking tours—advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is Mullae wheelchair accessible?
A: The main areas are accessible, but some alleys may pose challenges.

Traveler Tips & Safety

Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for small eateries (KoreaTravelPost).
Language: Translation apps are helpful, as English is limited in signage/menus.
Safety: Mullae is safe, well-lit, and patrolled, but standard urban precautions apply.

Visuals & Interactive Resources

Explore interactive maps and virtual tours via Visit Seoul and local galleries.
For inspiration, browse social channels and official tourism sites for recent photos of murals, installations, cafés, and events.

Conclusion: Experience Seoul’s Creative Spirit at Mullae

Mullae Station and its surrounding Art Village capture Seoul’s spirit of resilience and reinvention. From its industrial origins to its emergence as a creative powerhouse, Mullae offers a multilayered, authentic experience for explorers, art lovers, and casual travelers alike. Plan your visit with accessible transit, free entry to public art, and a rich mosaic of sights, tastes, and sounds. For the latest updates, events, and interactive guides, check the Audiala app, official tourism platforms, and related articles on Seoul’s hidden gems.