This blog provides travel information about the culture and nature of Korea.
Trip to Korea, Busan Gamcheon Culture Village
For our Busan trip, we are heading to
'Gamcheon Culture Village,' a place that deeply preserves the lives and joys and sorrows of Busan citizens. Starting as a rugged home for refugees during the Korean War in the 1950s, the village has maintained the history and essence of Busan to this day. Now, let me introduce you to Gamcheon Culture Village, a must-visit destination in Busan.
History of Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village was formed in the 1950s when refugees gathered to settle there during the Korean War. The unique landscape, characterized by narrow alleys and tightly packed terraced houses, vividly reflects the circumstances of that era. This village preserves a precious cultural heritage born from the arduous lives of refugees and the strong spirit of community cooperation among its residents.
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| Travel to Busan Gamcheon Culture Village |
Efforts to revitalize the area began in the 2000s. In particular, through the "Village Art Project" in 2009, artists and residents joined forces to install murals and sculptures throughout the village. This project transformed the narrow alleys and terraced houses of Gamcheon into a massive outdoor gallery, turning it into an attractive destination that draws tourists from all over the world.
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| Gamcheon Culture Village in Diverse Pastel Tones |
How to Get to Gamcheon Culture Village
💡Subway + Local Bus (The Standard Route)
This is the most popular way to get there. Transfer to a local bus immediately after exiting the subway station.
- From Toseong Station: Take Exit 6. Go to the bus stop in front of the Pusan National University Hospital Cancer Center and take local bus Seogu 2, Seogu 2-2, or Sahagu 1-1.
From Goejeong Station: Take Exit 6. Go to the Goejeong Intersection stop and take local bus Sahagu 1 or Sahagu 1-1.
Where to get off: Get off at the 'Gamcheon Elementary School / Gamcheon Culture Village' stop. The entrance is right there.
💡Using the City Bus
- City buses often do not go all the way up to the village entrance. If you get off at the 'Gamcheon Intersection' stop, please be aware that you will have to walk up a steep hill for about 10–15 minutes!
💡Taking a Taxi
From Busan Station: Approximately 20–25 minutes (Fare: around 7,000 KRW to 9,000 KRW).
Tip: Tell the driver, "Please go to the Gamcheon Culture Village Information Center (or Gamjeong Elementary School)" to be dropped off right at the entrance.
※ Click on the map for more detailed information.
💡Food Map
There are three main walking courses to explore Gamcheon Culture Village: Course A (40 mins), Course B (1 hr 20 mins), and Course C (2 hrs), which includes the stamp tour. However, we decided to skip the fixed routes and just wandered wherever our feet and eyes led us!
Hidden within the narrow alleys are unique snacks that you definitely shouldn’t miss. From the village’s signature Fish-shaped Bread to the "Raindrop Cake that has taken social media by storm, checking out the Gamcheon Culture Village Food Map is just as much fun as the stamp tour itself!
※ Click on the map to see an enlarged image.
Inside Look at Gamcheon Culture Village
The maze-like alleys, intertwining with one another, showcase the unique character of Gamcheon. It is a one-of-a-kind destination where terraced houses along the mountainside blend beautifully with colorful murals. As a must-visit spot in Busan, you can enjoy a stroll through an artistic atmosphere where the past and present coexist.
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| Winding alleyway views |
To preserve the village's distinct identity and historical value, artists and residents launched the "Village Art Project," which transformed the area into the landmark it is today. Like many famous tourist spots, the village entrance is lined with sculptures and murals that highlight the local Busan culture. Charming shops selling cute accessories and handmade crafts also open their doors to warmly welcome visitors.
Our walk through the village officially begins here, starting from this main road.
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| The Starting Point of the Journey |
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| Unique jewelry made from recycled gems |
On the walls next to the rest areas scattered throughout the village, there are murals depicting the actual process of painting murals. The detail is incredibly charming and lovely to look at.
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| Charming village sketches at the rest area |
True to its reputation as a 'Village Art Project,' I found myself stopping to admire the small craft shops at every turn. What really caught my eye were the tiny, colorful
gomusin (traditional rubber shoes) made with
Hanji (traditional Korean paper). They were so beautifully crafted, blending the Korean alphabet (
Hangeul) with traditional colors and patterns. They are incredibly vibrant, dainty, and absolutely adorable!
"The Little Prince and the Desert Fox"
This is the most popular spot in the village, where the Little Prince and the Desert Fox sit together looking down at the colorful houses. Both domestic and international tourists gather in small groups and wait in long lines just to take a photo here. I managed to quickly snap a photo of the view itself during a brief moment when people were switching places!
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| The Little Prince and the Desert Fox |
The trick art at the Lighthouse Photo Zone is quite impressive. The window beneath the lighthouse looks just like a picture frame, which is both beautiful and fascinating to see. On the walls, there are charming, "wiggly" hand-drawn sketches on white paper depicting the scenery of Busan, the sea, and the daily lives of the residents. These drawings feel much more natural than perfectly straight lines, and they harmonize perfectly with the village's winding alleys and its multi-colored roofs.
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| Busan's sea and village through the window |
The stairs in the alley are painted to look like a stack of books, and even the empty walls feature murals of bookshelves. These artworks beautifully convey a sense of literary emotion and artistic sensibility to every visitor.
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| Stacked-book stairs and upright-book walls |
In a corner of the alley, there is an old well site with a vintage water pump that brings the past back to life. Murals around the well depict people drawing water and others carrying onggi (traditional earthenware pots) on their backs, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of residents back then. Seeing this reminded me of my own childhood—we had a water pump in our backyard that I used all the time. Oh, the memories are flooding back...
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| Murals portraying old-fashioned life |
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| A pastel mural capturing the essence of Gamcheon |
At the entrance of an alley, there is a small supermarket with a vintage sign that captures the nostalgic atmosphere of old countryside grocery stores. It actually seems to be in business! A small dog nearby didn't even bark as strangers passed by; instead, it looked at me with slow, calm eyes and even seemed to pose for the camera when I pointed it toward him
Please remember that this is a residential area where people still live. It is basic etiquette to explore as quietly as possible, almost as if you were never there. Even if you catch a glimpse of a resident's living space through an occasionally open door, please refrain from staring or making noise. Let's be respectful as we pass through.
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| A lovely dog met in the alleys of Gamcheon |
Blue, red, green, and white... Gamcheon Culture Village is a place where houses painted in deep pastel hues coexist with people, culture, and art.
Bathed in the cloudless autumn sunlight of September, it feels like a place where you can look back on past history and experience something truly unique. It’s a destination where the small joys of the present and the sorrows and joys of past lives breathe together in harmony.
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| Houses stacked like colorful layers |
Major Spots You’ll Regret Missing
💡 The Observatory: The ultimate viewpoint where the entire village unfolds before your eyes! Be sure to take photos with the vibrant, rainbow-colored roofs as your backdrop.
💡 The Little Prince and the Desert Fox: The village’s most iconic photo zone! Sitting beside the Little Prince and looking out at the Busan sea is a must—don't forget to snap that famous "back-view" shot.
💡 The "Stairs to See Stars": A steep flight of 148 steps that embodies the hardships of residents who once carried heavy loads up and down. Today, it rewards visitors with a stunning, panoramic view.
