LEVINAPANGESTU: Gamcheon Cultural Village

KOREA VACAY : GAMCHEON CULTURAL VILLAGE

In the past, Gamcheon Village was a slump neighborhood. Korean War’s refugee ran to Busan whereas the only one area that relatively safe and free from the war. The government invested their money into Gamcheon neighborhood in 2009. They dreamed of Machu Picchu Busan Project. Many artists were hired and the reparations were made to improve this neighborhood. Because of that, local and international tourists become attracted to come to Gamcheon Cultural Village. Now, it became known as Machu Picchu in Busan or Korea’s Santorini. As a reminder, people still live in this neighborhood. So you would volume down your voice when walking in the alleyways.

The Entrance of Gamcheon Alleyways

A Quote Painting Wall

A Woodwork Art Installation

Mural Painting

A Statue in the Top of the Hill

The View from the Top

What is in Gamcheon?

Gamcheon village is popular with its mural painting walls. There are many unique mural painted walls from cartoon to Korean folktales murals in this area. Students and artists painted the wall to improve the beauty and attractive spot for local or international tourists. Not only murals, art installations like wood pieces are also become a decoration of this beautiful village. Other things that attract tourists are this neighborhood’s narrow alley that becoming likes a maze. If you are not being careful, you will be lost in this maze. The alleys are also painted by unique picture. When you reach the top of this neighborhood, you will see the view of a colorful neighborhood. They painted their house’s wall with different colors. The combination of mountain, sea, and colorful buildings make a perfect picture for your eyes to see.

What to do in Gamcheon?

For me, Gamcheon Cultural Village is like a magical town. From a slump neighborhood, they change it and it became a very beautiful and artsy village. So, what to do in Gamcheon Cultural Village? Many people will take out their photography gears. People with photography enthusiasm will be taking pictures everywhere. Every part of this neighborhood is good to be your camera’s target. From unique murals, art installations, narrow alleyways, and the view from the top. Nowadays, people will take a picture and post it in their social media like instagram or path. In this neighborhood, there are many instagramable spot like angel’s wing or another unique wall painting.

After the change, many art and craft stores open in this neighborhood. You can have many art and craft experiences in this area like pottery crafts, woodworking, and textile or even flower arrangement workshop. I think art is really fit Gamcheon Cultural Village. Besides art and craft activities, there are also many cute cafes open around this area where you can have a coffee or tea while enjoying the view of Gamcheon Village. By hanging out in the café, you can also socialize with the local people. As I said before, the view from the top of this neighborhood is a must sightseeing object. Feel the magical view from a perfect combination of mountain, colorful buildings, and sea with some rays of sunlight.

From my opinion, the best season to visit Gamcheon Cultural Village is spring or summer. Spring and summer means the blooming flower. You can see many flowers blooming along the road. It’s not too cold so you can move freely around the neighborhood. Imagine if it is winter, the steep road and alleyways will become slippery and it will be difficult to move around because of the cold. This village open from 9 am until 5 pm and the admission is free. Don’t be scared to get lost, you can get a map from the village information center. Also, don’t be hesitating to ask people there.