Apgujeong Rabbit Cave
On the south banks of the Han River there lies a nondescript pedestrian tunnel… at least from the outside. (road view).
The Apgujeong Rabbit Cave (압구정 토끼굴; map) — officially called the Apgujeong Interchange (압구정나들목) — has two functions.
- It’s a pedestrian-only underpass that lets citizens pass between the Han River and the wealthy Apgujeong Neighborhood in the Gangnam District.
- It’s a sanctioned rebel-mural tunnel.
The Seoul judicial system isn’t a big fan of graffiti. They’ll impose a 3-year jail sentence or ₩7 million fine on any arrested wannabe-Banksies. Even put in an extradition request.
Apgujeong Rabbit Cave is different. Between 10 PM and 5 AM, anyone can pay a visit to the Rabbit Cave and make their mark using spray cans, stencils, brushes, or any other graphic tool.
There are rules, though? Find them posted near the tunnel’s entrance and exit:
- Limit excess noises and odors.
- No hateful or “obscene” images.
- Don’t cover CCTV cameras and safety infrastructure.
- Stick to the walls. Don’t tag outside the lines.
The graffiti project began in the 1990s and has appeared in music videos, commercials, and feature films over the years.
Korean and global artists visit Apgujeong Rabbit Cave to update and paint over the ever-evolving murals. You can spot a myriad of art forms adorning the walls, including DIY cubism, wildstyle, and photorealistic portraits of Travis Bickle.
(Want to check out Apgujeong Rabbit Cave’s graffiti twin? Head north, deep into the Mapo District. Find Sinchon Rabbit Cave [신촌 토끼굴; map] covered in equally dazzling street art.)
