Raritan Valley Community College professor’s mural brings Seoul’s vibrancy to Queens’ Koreatown
QUEENS, N.Y. — A colorful new mural by Ji Yong Kim, assistant professor in Raritan Valley Community College’s Arts & Design department, is adding a burst of Seoul-inspired energy to Koreatown in Queens.
Titled Muk Ja Gol Mok (Food Alley), the mural captures the neon-lit atmosphere of South Korea’s bustling streets while celebrating the culture and community of Murray Hill. The piece, measuring approximately 27.5 feet by 9.5 feet, is made from exterior latex paint and is designed to serve as both a cultural statement and a visual landmark for visitors.
According to Professor Kim, the mural is meant to revitalize the neighborhood while reflecting the fusion of traditional and modern Korean influences. “The mural, designed to revitalize the local Murray Hill neighborhood and act as a visual marker for visitors, features various overlapping, multicolored frames that mimic layered neon signs commonly found in busy commercial streets,” he said.
At its center, the artwork depicts a pair of headphones with music notes, symbolizing the global influence of K-pop. The vibrations from the music shake a heart containing a subtle Korean flag motif. Around it, glowing icons represent elements of Korean culture — from karaoke and taekwondo to K-pop idols, traditional food, and clothing.
“This combination of traditional and modern elements highlights a coexistence typical of both Korea and Murray Hill,” Professor Kim explained.
The mural’s title, written in Korean text on the far right, translates to “food alley,” a nod to the area’s many Korean restaurants. “By using bold colors and easy-to-read icons, the mural creates an inviting atmosphere, aiming to make the neighborhood a memorable and frequently revisited destination,” Kim added.
The project was supported by the Asian American Federation and NYC Small Business Services.
