First published on TripZilla.

Admit it – no matter how old we get, everyone still remains a kid at heart. We recall fondly those days when we watched with rapture countless Disney films, and listened eagerly to tales of Little Red Riding Hood or the Wizard of Oz. We feel a pang of nostalgia whenever we hear the familiar strains of theme songs, and secretly smile when we see little kids prancing around in princess costumes.

Adults and kids rejoice! Did you know that South Korea has a Fairytale village where you can live out your fantasies? A hidden gem, the Songwol-dong Fairytale Village is located in Incheon, a city famous for its Chinatown. The Fairytale Village is part of the government’s plan to revive dilapidated housing areas, a similar initiative that brought hoards of travellers to Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan.

You know you’ve arrived at the Fairytale Village when you arrive at this vibrant rainbow-coloured gate. 

Here in the Songwol-dong Fairytale Village, you will be able to find depictions of characters such as the Disney Princesses, the Wizard of Oz, as well as countless other delights.

It’s an explosion of colour everywhere you look!

There are even cuddly mascots wandering the area, who are more than willing to pose for a picture (or two).

Lamp posts are transformed...

and so are the pipes running along the walls!

Get up and close with murals of your favourite Disney characters.

Check out the characters from Wizard of Oz and the animals from Noah's ark.

Or simply pose against any one of the beautiful murals along the meandering streets!

Even the floors and steps are beautifully painted!

No space in the village is left untouched. Every surface has been splashed with a vibrant coat of paint; every fence, wall, and pole has been transformed.

There are a couple of cafes within the village should you wish to sit and take a break, complete with café signs that simply scream ‘cute’.

There is a section of the Fairytale Village dedicated to Korean folk tales as well.

How to get to Songwol-dong Fairytale Village

From Seoul, take the train to the very end of Line 1 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. The Fairytale Village is a short 10 minute walk from the station, and, best of all, admission is free of charge!