GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE TRAVEL GUIDE | BUSAN

A quick google image search of Gamcheon will show you photos of a pretty mountainside lined with colorful pastel houses.

But there's much more to Gamcheon than just scenery. 

Click more to find out how those layered houses came about and what else you can do in this little charming village located just 3 hours away from Seoul...

gamcheon culture village

The history of Gamcheon is actually pretty interesting.

A lot of people think it started out as a slum town but it's actually a community for members of the Taegeukdo religion.

Taegeukdo is an integral part of Korea's culture. In fact their symbol (red/blue yinyang) is at the center of the South Korean flag.

At the pinnacle of their beliefs is to "allow others to prosper" which is why houses are built in tiers ---So as not to obstruct the view of the one behind it.

Beautiful don't you think?

The place was only converted into an art-themed district in 2009 when they invited students to "decorate the village" as a public art project.

gamcheon culture village blog

THINGS YOU CAN DO AT GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE

ida anduyan

  Go on a photography walk.

This is probably my most favorite activity of all. The entire area is beautiful and inspiring. Just remember to keep an open eye and just shoot. Shoot as much as you can, it's free anyway. 😊

photography walk gamcheon culture village

  Look for the Little Prince.

To keep things interesting, I won't tell you where he is!

Also because at Gamcheon it's fun to....

little prince at gamcheon culture village

  Get Lost.

Get lost in its many interesting alleyways. There's so much art to be found at every corner.

alley ways at gamcheon culture village

Visit a quirky mini Museum 

Like this mini hotel for dolls called The Grand Budapest. Hello Wes Anderson fans!

grand budapest at gamcheon

Love Locks!

Make a promise to someone special with these love locks...

love locks at gamcheon culture village

  Check out the wildlife...

Err, sort of... The stray cats at Gamcheon are the cutest! Fat, friendly and sleepy. They're as much part of the attraction as the art.

stray cats korea

EAT.

So much delicious and affordable Korean street food everywhere!

korean street food

  While you're at it, make sure to try these Rain Drop Cakes:

rain drop cake busan

SHOP!

Don't take my word for it but if memory serves me right, prices here are slightly cheaper than in the city.

Like these adorable socks that only cost P50/pair.

shopping at gamcheon

  It's also a good place to snag some souvenirs to bring back home.

soju keychains

HOW TO GET THERE: 

Take the Line 1 subway to Toseong Station (토성역). Only Take Exit 6, walk straight to the intersection and turn right. Walk 100 meters or so to the first bus stop. Take bus 2 or 2-2. It costs 1,000 won and takes about 10 minutes to arrive at the Gamcheon Culture Village where you can buy the 2,000 won map to collect stamps and explore the village.

OR

Take the subway to Toseong-dong Station or Goejeong Station, then take a taxi to Busan Gamjeong Elementary School (taxi will cost approximately $2.50).

***to avoid the large influx of tourists, schedule your visit early (around 9:30am), shops open at around 10:30-11am

Would you take the time to visit Gamcheon Culture Village? What are you most excited to do there? 😊

Special thanks to Philippine Airlines and Korean Tourism Organization for making this trip possible!😍

For other things do in Busan check out this sample itinerary which includes 9 things you can do in 24 hours!