Cartoon Alley

[Anchor Lead]

In some Seoul alleys, some of the most popular cartoon heroes come to life. In today's close up, we bring you a world filled with cartoon characters. Let's go.

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This alley features murals based on works of webtoonist Kang Full. Kang began to draw public attention by posting a cartoon series online in 2002. He is so popular that several of his works were adapted to the big screen. With Kang's lasting popularity, this alley was even named after him.

[Soundbite] Kim Min-chae(Guide, Kang Full Cartoon Alley) : "This alley was named after Kang Full, since the cartoonist has been living in Gangdong-gu District since his childhood. In 2013, artists and local residents gathered to draw murals based on Kang's cartoon series."

A tour around the village presents 52 cartoon murals. Tourists are captivated by the paintings, which are in harmony with the warm and plain atmosphere of the village.

[Soundbite] Lee Hye-sun(Tourist) : "It is fun to see murals at every corner. And it feels as if lots of words written on walls greet us."

Another cartoon alley can be found in Myeong-dong, Seoul. With various hands-on experience programs being operated here, lots of cartoon-themed structures are on display around the district so it even feels that every building here is decorated with scenes and characters from cartoons.

[Soundbite] Ki Jung-koo(Anitown Team, Seoul Business Agency) : "Since late 2013, the Seoul city government has transformed a 440-meter-long shabby alley between the No.3 gate of Myeong-dong subway station and the Seoul Animation Center into a cartoon street, which showcases Korean animated films and cartoon characters. Visitors can come to see, experience and enjoy themselves."

Cartoon lovers will not just pass by this comic museum. In addition to various cartoon characters on display, visitors can change into their favorite cartoon costumes and take photos. In an attic, visitors also can indulge themselves with stacks of comic books. There is a cartoon workshop across the street from the museum. Operated by cartoonists, this workshop runs a hands-on program for visitors to draw cartoon characters themselves. Visitors pull out their cameras to bring the day's fun memories home with them.

[Soundbite] Oh Mi-sun(Tourist) : "As every alley features animation paintings, it is pretty and cute. It would be good to come here when I need to feel healed."

One of these cartoon alleys will be a good destination for a day trip with your loved ones.