Another ‘must see’ in Busan is Gamcheon Culture Village. Located to the west of Busan station, this hillside pantone coloured village is a great place to spend a few hours. Preferably in a cafe with sweeping views of this village.
This village was built by refugees who settled here after the Korean war in the 1950s. In 2009, the Ministry of Culture, sports and Tourism asked for artists and art students to make over the town to make it an attractive tourist destination to revive the village. Abandoned homes were turned into museums, shops and cafes. It is now one of the popular tourist destinations in Busan. Sadly, I think the pandemic has really affected this village. Whilst many places are currently open, I think that many places also disappeared due to the lack of tourists.
Start at the Gamcheon Tourist Information Centre which will allow you to snake around to the other side of the village. It’s a great place to wander into the souvenir stores selling a variety of Korean handmade items. I’m sure if you’re looking for souvenirs, you’ll find something! There are a handful of snack stalls along the way too if you’re peckish.
There is also the opportunity to rent hanboks if you would like to too!
Obligatory photo with the Little Prince and fox
Enjoying the view at Coffee It House
148 stairs (it’s better to go down them)
Once you get to the other side, you can snake your way down via the 148 stairs. To be honest, the lower streets didn’t contain as much. There is artwork around if you walk around but there are not many stores nor cafes heading in this direction. At the bottom of the 148 stairs, there is a beautiful flower filled cafe though.
You can follow the signs out to the bus stop and take the same buses back into town.
How to get there: If you catch a metro to Jagalchi Station and head to exit 1. There will be bus stops there where the green buses 2, 2-2 or 1-1, will take you to Gamcheon Village Information Centre (the entry way to start walking in Gamcheon Cultural Village).
Gamcheon Village Map: Available from the Gamcheon Village Information Centre for 2000 won. As of Aug 2022, there are only 4 stamps to collect throughout the village.
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– A Must Visit in Busan: Haeundae Beach
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