Make art not war in South Korea artists' village

Only 6km from the border with the world’s most secretive nation lies another secret destination – but one you are more likely to want to visit. The dedicated art village of Heyri in South Korea is about an hour’s drive north of Seoul and just throwing distance (though not recommended) from the mysterious totalitarian state of North Korea.

Heyri is an unlikely spot for a bohemian cultural centre -- along the banks of the barbed wire-lined Han River and within sight of the armed checkpoint watchtowers -- but the galleries, cafes and bookstores exhibit work from some of the finest artists and architects from Korea and abroad.
The initial idea for Heyri was developed in 1995 by a Seoul-based arts collective that wanted a place in the countryside where its 380 members could reside and create art as a refuge from the big city. Two years later a committee was formed and work began on the masterplan.
“It took five years to decide on a location for the art village,” said the sprightly, wispily-goateed photographer and founding Heyri member Ansoo Lee. “We chose Heyri as it is a clean place, right in nature. There are no factories in North Korea just across the border so we knew there would be clean air. We have dreams of unification one day and then Heyri will be the centre of the Korean peninsula – close to Seoul and even closer to North Korea.” The village stands as a symbol of peace in a region known for anything but that.
Today Heyri makes for a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, and walking through the village is like being transported to the pages of an architectural magazine. Modern concrete angular buildings designed by the country’s top architects sit against an unobstructed backdrop of forest and hills, and the tallest building is no taller than a fewer stories high, as mandated by the committee. Each building conforms to the village’s main principle of existing in harmony with nature. As you wander the winding paths, passing streams, native flowerbeds, ponds and footbridges, there are galleries, cafes, bookstores and music halls to duck into along the way. Weekends see Korean tourists and day-trippers from Seoul walking the streets, riding bikes and taking in lattes and art. Weekdays are quieter and most places are closed on Monday.
Pick up a booklet for 2,500 South Korean won from the information counter at the entrance for profiles of all the sights, as well as a map. You will need at least a full day to explore the whole village.

See the art

Run by a well known ex-radio broadcaster, the stylish Camerata Music Hall (camerata.kr) is made for fans of classical music, and the vintage audio system spins vinyl, filling the room with Western classical and the odd pop or jazz tune. Pick a table, jot down your request with the pen and paper provided and pass it to the DJ. Entry is 10,000 won, which includes a free drink.
High ceilings, white walls and concrete floors give the White Block Art Center a chic industrial minimalist feel. It has six large exhibition rooms over three floors, with changing exhibitions that showcase global contemporary art. Past exhibitions have covered themes like 'What is Koreanness?' The attached cafe and courtyard overlooking Heyri pond is a good spot to sit and admire the scenery.
With other galleries in Tokyo and Seoul, the Heyri outpost of the Keumsan Gallery (keumsan.org) is devoted to showcasing diverse Asian contemporary art, and has represented major artists like Korea’s Lee Ufan, whose work also appears at New York’s MoMA and Tate Modern in London.
At the Chocolate Design Gallery (chocolategallery.co.kr), the exhibitions of chocolate sculptures usually run in winter months to avoid melting, but outside of the season the gallery hosts courses on how to make decadent truffles. Stop by for one of their rich smooth iced chocolate drinks and to taste-test the truffles.