There is an extraordinary village, named “Angel Village” in Nosong-dong, Jeonju. It commemorates an “unknown angel” who has never revealed his or her own identity. Unknown angel donated steadily from 2000 to March 2023, and now has accumulated about 800 million won in donations. Thanks to his or her repeated good deeds, people call the anonymous person the unknown angel. The JBNU Globe will introduce various spots and stories that are good to take an interest in while looking around the village.
● Murals Composed of Short Texts and Paintings
In the village, it is easy to see elaborate murals painted on rough stone. Many people take pictures next to the murals of wings and gift boxes commemorating the unknown angel. Additionally, some murals have hand-written letters from children to their mothers or consoling words to those who are weary of their hard lives. There are many different murals all over the village, and you can look at them comfortably because they all have a warm and friendly appearance.
● Story of village was born through Film
<Finding Angel> is an independent film that details the story of Angel Village and an unknown angel. The title is called <천사는 바이러스> in Korean and was released in January 2021. The plot is very similar to the true story and the film starts with a reporter who visits the village to find out who the unknown angel is. It was actually shot in Angel Village, and there is a big signboard promoting the film in the village. If you are planning to visit the village, why don’t you watch this film first? If so, you can feel familiar with the village even if it is your first time going there.
● Culture Center for Comfort of Residents
As you first walk into the village, you will see a tall white building. This is the Angel Village Culture Center built by Jeonju City Hall. Kim Sung-guk, head of the village planning promotion team and Angel Cafe, said, “this center is a communication space for Angel Village residents and the place where they can experience various activities.” It consists of five floors. There is a senior center and a gym on the first floor. Residents can use the gym at a lowered price. On the second and third floors, there are local companies that provide jobs to help the underprivileged in various ways. On the fourth floor, there is Angel Cafe, a conference room that can accommodate up to forty people, and a shared kitchen. The fourth floor is a space that was designed for the purpose of vibrant communication of the residents. The fifth floor is an outdoor terrace. It has direct access to the cafe on the fourth floor. Out there, visitors can see the scenery of Jeonju at a glance. It is also a popular photo spot for visitors on a sunny day. An integral part of the center is Angel Cafe. It offers a variety of drinks at a low price. The price of any drink does not exceed three thousand won. As it is located on a high floor, accessibility is difficult. This disadvantage can be overcome by utilizing the many advantages of the culture center. Visitors naturally gravitate to the cafe after using the shared kitchen, conference room, or the education room located on the fourth floor. Intriguingly, cultural programs such as natural dyeing, folktale workshops, pressed flower crafts, and resin art are held every month in the education room.
Chae Ji-na, a barista who has been working since May of last year when Angel Cafe opened, is a third-generation Korean from Uzbekistan. Chae received a barista certificate, and is steadily undergoing Korean language education. She is a foreigner, so it was difficult for her to get a job. She got the job at Angel Cafe on the recommendation of a professor who teaches Korean. She said she wants to continue working as much as possible because she enjoys working as a barista. Chae said, “Angel Cafe is not well known yet and there are not many customers. I hope it will become known more and that many customers will visit here.”
| Tip for Jeonju Citizens Various facilities in the Angel Village Culture Center can be rented, and organizations in connection with Jeonju can rent them at a 50% discount. Kim said, “I hope Jeonju citizens will visit the center, which was built to commemorate the spirit of the generous donations of the unknown angel.” |
On a sunny day, how about visiting Angel Village? After drinking a cup of coffee at the cafe where you can see all of Jeonju at a glance, take a walk around the village with peace of mind!
| Ha Yae-one Editor, Kim Doe-hye Reporter