Gamcheon Village was established in 1955 as a refuge in Busan for South Koreans displaced during the Korean War. The location offered obstacles created by Mother Nature herself. The homes were built in a staircase fashion into the sides of the two mountains that face the sea. I thought the village had re-created itself from a refuge into an artist community and cultural collective, I was wrong.
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Gamcheon Cultural Village
According to sources close to me, and after visiting the village myself, I’ve realized its a cheap imitation of an artist’s colony to bring in tourists’ dollars. The artwork is neither good nor professional and the inhabitants themselves aren’t exactly thrilled with having the walls of their community decorated with primary level artwork. I wandered around the street wondering why it all looked so amateurish, and now I know.
In my research, I also found that many people refer to Gamcheon Cultural Village as the Santorini and/or Machu Picchu of Busan. There is no doubt it is pretty from a distance, but in my limited experience, when anyone offers up that kind of comparison it usually falls quite short of the target. This village, while unique for South Korea and should make your bucket list, is no exception to the rule.
Get a Map at the Tourist Center
Stop into the tourism office to pick up a map and guide to the village for 2,000 Won. All points of interest are numbered and if you visit a few names, at 5 and 11 observation decks. At stops 5 and 16 you will receive a postcard that you can mail on the spot. There are several photo stops that offer great opportunities to take pictures of the colorful homes on both sides of the mountains. The most popular seemed to be the statue of the little prince sitting precariously on the edge. I watched young girls club over the railing to sit beside him gazing off into the distance.
Gamcheon Cultural Village Inhabitants
It was constructed as a safe haven because of its location between the two mountain ranges– acting as a natural buffer zone.
The original village inhabitants built temporary shelters made of corrugated steel offered shelter but very little comfort. There is a museum in the village with pictures, household instruments, and farming tools. There are English speaking volunteers available.
If you enjoy Gamcheon Village, you should definitely check out the other cultural village in Busan–> HERE.
Shrinking Population
Fast forward a few decades later, after the war, many inhabitants decided to abandon the village, seeking employment in the newly established industries in larger cities.
As Gamcheon Village’s population dwindled, the residents took initiative, constructing larger, permanent homes and enticing the new wave of tourists. They decided to paint the exteriors of their shops and homes bright colors and turn the village into a cultural center with the installation of tiled art, sculpture, and museums as random as early history and dolls.
Shops, Cafes, and Curiosities
The tourists did come and continue to visit the villages many shops, cafes, and curiosities. We ate bulgogi bibimbap at the second-floor restaurant that I think I mistranslated called Stay Married. I say I think because you can never tell, many of the translations are strictly literal.
As you’d expect its quite a hike to the village. You can hike it in an hour or so or you can take the metro orange line 1 to Toeseong Station and catch the short green bus marked Gamcheon Cultural Village for 1,000 ￦on. It takes you through the steep winding streets right up to the entrance of the village.
There’s no entrance fee, but expect some serious walking so wear comfortable shoes.
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Comments
What an interesting and eccentric village! I actually love the colors and vibrancy but can definitely see how the locals might be a big overwhelmed by it all. lol
Travelling very far is not something I can do often but would love to at some point. These photos are beautiful.
I totally understand. I hope you get a chance to travel to your bucket list when you get the opportunity.
Omg just loving your photos!!!! I would
Love to visit and explore myself one day
Thank you, I love quirky stuff.
What a truly mesmerizing area with so much art. I would love to visit here one day for myself. We have some areas in Atlanta that are similar to this that i love to visit.
I’ve been to Atlanta a few times, but not enough to say I know it.
I still like it and I’m going to visit Gamcheon when I go to Korea. And when that day comes, I’ll be ready to walk a lot, hike, and take lots of photos of all those artwork. I’m sure it will be a fab experience & it’s nice that there are no entrance fees and that.
I agree you should still go the village. Its an interesting place to visit.
My Husband will love your post he is a fan of Japan, China, South Korea, he would love to organize a great trip over those countries, thank you for sharing bu the way the pictures are amazing.
Asia is amazing, I hope he gets to visit.
Quite an interesting and frank perspective about the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Loved your narrative and the photographs.
Its colorful and nice to look at, but I don’t want people to go there thinking its a bonafide artists community.
I love to travel, but unfortunetaly I haven’t got many opportunities to do it:( I really like your article and beautiful pictures, I would love to visit that amazing place!
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the read.
Wow, it looks like a lot of buildings all in one place! I like the doll hotel, it looks very cute. There are a lot of neat art things in your pictures. I think I’d be afraid to sit next to that prince since it’s on an edge.
We watched several people climb over that barrier, not a safe thing to do at all.
It definitely looks like an interesting place to visit – especially with all those museums! I loved your photos too; they were a great way to show off the views of the city and it’s buildings.
Thank you, it was fun taking pictures even though there were and always are too many darn people. lol
This has got to be the most beautiful and interesting street art I have ever seen. I love painted murals on building and structures but I like how this area takes it to another level of art . What a beautiful and colorful area and the history is also quite fascinating!
I love the history and repurposing the village to go with the times.
What amazing views on gamcheon cultural village! What a unique experience! I totally love the pictures and to see how colorful it is there!
Thank you. I love photographing new places.
All of the art makes the city such a colorful place! probably one of the best parts about traveling to a new destination is finding out the different ways they express themselves!
I totally agree. The art, even the bad stuff, gives you great insight to the people and their culture. I also like trying the wines. Lol