Gamcheon Culture Village Tours

Gamcheon Culture Village spills down a hillside in a riot of colors just outside Busan. The village, nicknamed “Santorini on the South Sea” and “the Machu Picchu of Busan,” was once an enclave for refugee members of the Taegeukdo religious movement. Today, the neighborhood attracts visitors with its steep cubicle houses, galleries, and cafés.

The Basics
Gamcheon Culture Village is one of Busan’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, thanks to its narrow streets and alleys lined with murals and sculptures created by its residents, some of whom are still Taegeukdo believers. The area is so popular with visitors that it’s almost always included on sightseeing tours of the city, along with other popular attractions such as the Songdo Skywalk, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain Observatory, Samgwangsa Temple, and Jagalchi Fish Market.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Gamcheon Cultural Village is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors.
• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on inclines and steps.
• The area remains a residential neighborhood, so be aware of your noise level during the evenings.

How to Get There
You can reach Gamcheon Culture Village by taking either bus 2 or 2-2 from the stop in front of the hospital outside Toseong Station.

When to Get There
While the streets and alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village are always open, it’s best to visit during regular business hours when the shops, cafés, and other neighborhood attractions are operating.

Little Museum
Walking the streets of the largely residential Gamcheon Culture Village offers an excellent glimpse into local Korean life. For a better understanding of the neighborhood’s history and heritage, plan to visit the Little Museum. This small collection highlights household items donated by local residents, as well as replicas of traditional shanties and information about the neighborhood’s artistic revitalization.