A Space Recreating Everyday Life from the Liberation Era to the 1980s
"A New Experience for Children, Memories for Adults"
In Damyang, South Jeolla Province, there is a retro exhibition space that vividly recreates everyday life from the period before and after Korea’s liberation through the 1980s. This is "Nostalgic Alley," established by an operator with experience in creating movie and drama sets.
Located in Geumseong-myeon, Nostalgic Alley is an experiential space that meticulously reconstructs the streetscapes and everyday culture of Korea’s modern and contemporary eras based on historical research. The atmosphere of the era is alive throughout the space, from the chick vendors and snacks sold in front of schools, to children gathering around a black-and-white TV to watch cartoons, and popular songs playing from music players.
The sets, which include a comic book store, temporary theater, mill, stationery shop, marketplace, pawnshop, teahouse, shoe repair shop, and arcade machines, are connected like a real alley. Visitors can walk through and linger in these spaces, allowing them to experience the emotions and atmosphere of the time firsthand.
Nostalgic Alley is not simply a collection of old objects. The operator, a specialist in movie and drama set design, has traveled across the country for decades, sourcing and recreating each item through era-specific research. This living museum is filled with the strong will and craftsmanship to capture the spirit of the times?evident even in a single old signboard or a faded poster.
Nostalgic Alley becomes even more meaningful when visited with family. Parents and children naturally engage in conversation while taking photos in school uniforms, allowing adults to recall forgotten memories and children to encounter a new and unfamiliar era. In fact, satisfaction among family visitors is high, and the site is consistently used for group visits by seniors and as an experiential learning venue for youth.
There are also a variety of experiences and attractions available. The toys and snacks in the stationery shop evoke nostalgia, and rare items such as old records, cathode-ray tube televisions, record players, and rotary phones are on display, drawing visitors' attention. Some devices are even operational, adding to the enjoyment of the visit.
Nostalgic Alley offers a 20% discount on admission if you present a ticket or receipt from another paid tourist attraction in Damyang County. It is also an excellent choice for visitors planning a day trip that includes nearby attractions such as Juknokwon, Metasequoia Road, and Geumseongsanseong Fortress.
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