Gamcheon Culture Village(감천 문화 마을): A Haven for BTS and K-Drama Lovers 

In the Korean city of Busan, there is a beautiful village hidden like a gem.

It’s Gamcheon Culture Village. Although not widely known among Koreans, it’s a place where everyone is amazed by its unique beauty and culture, making it aptly described as a hidden gem.

The Korean drama “Man from the Equator” and the movie “Hero”starring Lee Byung-hun were filmed in this village.

Perhaps that’s why it’s more popular among foreigners than locals. Recently, it has been featured in popular Taiwanese drama “Girls’ Generation 2” and Vietnamese variety show “Let’s Feast Vietnam visit Busan.”

It’s also known as a pilgrimage site for BTS fans, with murals of BTS members Jimin and Jungkook. The fact that they pour their love into this village just because it’s their hometown of Busan shows the profound affection Koreans have for their roots.

Encounter of the Old and the New, Touching Hearts

Encounter of the Old and the New, Touching Hearts

With its beautiful colors, this place stands out as a work of art, blending vivid and vintage colors of the village. Such a combination of hidden treasures and BTS is truly exceptional. The juxtaposition of BTS‘s vibrant music and performances with the quaint, traditional, yet vivid murals of this place is incredibly creative and beautiful. It evokes emotions akin to the encounter between the old and the new, the meeting of young and old, touching hearts. That’s why it’s beloved by photographers and artists worldwide.

The core of touring this village is exploring its alleys. At first, visitors may not notice much difference from other islands in Korea. However, as they walk through the alleys, they’ll come across artworks that are not mere art pieces but intertwined with the vivid lives of the people living there.

History of Kind Consideration Of Gamcheon Culture Village

However, the beginning of this beautiful Gamcheon Culture Village was a tragedy of war. During the Korean War, many people sought refuge in Busan, and this small village became their haven. Unable to find places to live in the major city of Busan, poor people began to build houses on uncomfortable hillside paths, even though nobody wanted to come. They built houses in a stepped manner to ensure sunlight for the neighboring houses, which naturally led to such a beautiful sight. It’s truly a village born out of beautiful hearts, even amidst the hardships of refuge life.

Then, in 2009, with the start of a new village art project, it transformed into this beautiful place and became a representative cultural village of Korea.

Like a Journey to Santorini In Korea

Some people call Gamcheon Culture Village as Korea’s Machu Picchu or Santorini of Korea, and it indeed gives off a Santorini vibe, especially when looking at the photos.

As the village is small, it doesn’t matter where you start. Just go out and walk through the small alleys. At the entrance of the village, you’ll first see a small museum. Here, you can experience the history of Gamcheon Culture Village and relive scenes you want to remember from the 1970s and 1980s analog era.

Visit the photo gallery. Award-winning photographs are displayed, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Even if you’re not interested, there’s enough to see to satisfy your curiosity. Sit in a book cafe, have some tea or coffee, and immerse yourself in the culture for a while.

Walk through the alleys and climb the steep hills. Somewhere, you’ll see a familiar statue. It’s “The Little Prince and the Fox,” with a very colorful appearance that matches the beautiful roof colors of the village, like opening a page of a fairy tale book. The little island and The Little Prince go well together. If The Little Prince from the fairy tale visited this village, he would surely be sitting in his current statue form, looking down at the village, marveling at the colors more beautiful than the stars, accompanied by the Fox, gazing at the blue sea.

After your journey, stay at a guesthouse operated directly by the village. From double rooms to rooms for six people, there’s a variety, and the ocean view is superb. You can experience the atmosphere of old Korean homes. However, the bathrooms and showers have been modernized, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay while experiencing Korea’s retro sensibility in Gamcheon Culture Village.

You can’t experience this anywhere else, so I highly recommend staying overnight.

Places To Stay

Hotel Noah

Features: Just a few minutes’ drive from Gamcheon Culture Village, Hotel Noah offers modern and clean rooms. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and breakfast service, and the friendly staff will make your stay more comfortable.

How to Get There: It’s convenient to arrive by taxi or bus from Seomyeon Station on the Busan Metro.

Toyoko Inn Busan Station 1

Features: Toyoko Inn Busan Station 1 provides comfortable accommodation at an affordable price, with easy access to Gamcheon Culture Village. The rooms are clean and functional, and the hotel offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi service.

How to Get There: The hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Busan Station, through which various public transportation options are available.

Website: 

Toyoko Inn Busan Station 1

Benikea Hotel Haeundae

Features: About 20 minutes’ drive from Gamcheon Culture Village, this hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of drinks and meals at the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

How to Get There: It’s conveniently accessible by Busan Metro and buses. For detailed location and transportation information, check the hotel’s website.

Website: Visit the official website of Benikea Hotel Haeundae for more information.

Airbnb

Features: There are many unique Airbnb accommodations around Gamcheon Culture Village, perfect for family trips or traveling with friends, offering the opportunity to live like a local.

How to Get There: The access varies depending on the chosen accommodation, but most can be easily reached using Busan’s public transportation system.

These accommodation options provide a range of choices for every type of traveler, from those seeking luxury to those on a budget. Staying in the area not only puts you close to the historic and cultural sights of Gamcheon Culture Village but also offers easy access to many of Busan’s other attractions.

How to Get to Gamcheon Culture Village

Busan boasts a subway system as efficient as Seoul’s, making it easy to travel anywhere. After enjoying your trip to Busan, visiting here is the easiest and most convenient way.

From Busan Station (train), take Subway Line 1 towards Nopo and get off at Toseong Station. It’s a 4-stop journey from Busan Station to Toseong Station, taking approximately 15 minutes.

Other Posts About Gamcheon:

A Comprehensive Guide to Busan