"The Apgujeong rabbit hole is a hall of fame for graffiti artists. It's a space that everyone has dreamed of at least once. I hope people consider the value of this space at least once."
On the 6th, graffiti artist Kwak Hye-ji (32), who has 13 years of experience, said as she looked at the wall at the entrance to the Han River in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, known as the 'Apgujeong rabbit hole.' Graffiti works began to appear here in the 1990s. Now, after about 30 years, it is called the 'holy site' of Korean graffiti art, but all works are at risk of being removed soon.
◇Banksy leaves graffiti around London… only Apgujeong and Sinchon in Seoul
Graffiti is an art form that involves painting pictures on building walls using spray paint (lacquer) and other materials. It started in the United States and recently gained attention for the works of famous artists like the 'faceless painter' Banksy. In Korea, it is not widely practiced due to potential punishment for property damage or trespassing if done without permission. Currently, the only places in Seoul where graffiti is permitted are the Apgujeong rabbit hole and two tunnels near the Sinchon station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line.
One of these places is at risk of disappearing because the Seoul city government has stated that the entrance to the Han River is aging and will undergo remodeling. According to the city, the Apgujeong rabbit hole was completed in 1987, and its facilities have deteriorated. The construction is set to begin this month and be completed by June next year.
It is uncertain whether graffiti art can be created in the improved Apgujeong rabbit hole. The city of Seoul plans to determine whether to continue graffiti based on residents' opinions. A city official noted, "There have been frequent occurrences of non-public expressions during the management of graffiti spaces, and citizens have expressed discomfort," adding that "after remodeling, we will have no choice but to fully restrict graffiti activities."
◇20 graffiti artists complete final works ahead of remodeling
Artists expressed regret upon hearing that they would no longer be able to work on graffiti art at the Apgujeong rabbit hole. Graffiti artist A said, "The Apgujeong rabbit hole is like a living legend of Korean graffiti," and added, "The city of Seoul is trying to erase this heritage in an overly uniform and tidy manner."
On that night, about 20 graffiti artists gathered one last time at the Apgujeong rabbit hole ahead of the remodeling. Around 10:45 p.m., when the area was sparsely populated, the artists picked up rollers and began painting the background on the rabbit hole walls, and within an hour, they created a new painting using spray paint.
However, the city of Seoul explained that it has never officially allowed graffiti art at the Apgujeong rabbit hole. There is a notice on site stating that "graffiti work can only be done from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.," but they maintain that they have never granted permission.
A city official said, "The notice was put up due to ongoing complaints about the strong smell of spray paint," adding, "Officially, the city of Seoul has never approved (graffiti artwork activities). The artists engaged in illegal activities on their own." A total of 13 complaints related to graffiti in the Apgujeong rabbit hole have been filed to the city since 2010.
Citizens passing through the Apgujeong rabbit hole expressed regret over the news that the graffiti would be removed. Numerous citizens and foreign tourists took photos with graffiti in the background at a rate of about one per minute. A person surnamed Kim (53) stated, "I have always felt a fresh vibe since I entered the rabbit hole, and I don't understand why they are suddenly taking it away." A person surnamed Jeon (27) added, "Foreign tourists film videos dancing with graffiti as the background. It feels like they are showcasing the beauty of Seoul, and it would be a shame to get rid of it."