MURAL VILLAGE UNDERGOES TRANSFORMATION

[Anchor Lead]

Tongyeong's famous attraction, Dongpirang Mural Village, is undergoing a makeover after two years. Members of the village co-op and community groups are working on new murals to transform the village into an iconic cultural spot.

[Pkg]

A small shantytown with a panoramic view of Gangguan Port in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Diverse murals painted along the narrow alley grab people's attention. A new mural in the style of Korean traditional painting is newly featured on the wall painted in vivid blue. Spirits of esteemed artists and writers from Tongyeong are reborn as butterflies on the mural. A tiny house left vacant for 15 years is transformed into a colorful garden. Each mural showcases local residents' lives and the community's history.

[Soundbite] AHN MI-SEON(SEOUL RESIDENT) : "The colors are beautiful and go well with the sea. It offers a different vibe from the ocean."

The Dongpirang Mural Festival has been held every other year since 2006. The community's attempt to seek change while maintaining its fame as the nation's first mural village is welcomed by many. The village co-op and supporting organizations asked for help from civilians and experts to make the murals more beautiful while preserving the charm of Dongpirang.

[Soundbite] AMY(FOREIGN RESIDENT OF TONGYEONG)

The community also attempts to refashion itself into a cultural village in order to shed its image as a commercialized mural town.

[Soundbite] YEO GYEONG-MO(TONGYEONG SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL) : "It will be changed into a cultural village so that residents and artists can work together for the mural project."

More than two million visitors come to Dongpirang Mural Village every year. The community hopes the landmark area can leave lasting memories for both residents and tourists.