Gamcheon Culture Village

June 24, 2018

Gamcheon Culture Village

Korea has had so many public holidays this year already which has been really amazing. In June alone we had two Wednesdays off, one week after each other. The last mid-week break, Korea's voting day, was much needed because it gave me the opportunity to relax and explore the great city, Busan, which I now call my home.

The morning of 'voting day' I woke a little late and asked myself, "Where are we going today?" I had been longing to get out there and use my camera as I had not done so in a while. I remember hearing about a famous village in Busan that was home to war refugees during the Korean War which started in 1950. The refugees fled to Busan, which was the only city that was not war-torn, for safety. There they began to build homes and set up this village which we now know as Gamcheon Culture Village.

I thought “What better way to celebrate 'voting day'”. I quickly got ready, researched how to get there and then I was off.

Gamcheon Culture Village is at the top of a hill so after arriving at Toseong subway station I had to get on a bus that would take us up to the top. Initially, I thought I could walk it out but I soon realised that I was playing myself. We reached the top of the hill and it was time to explore. As I got off the bus, these two foreign ladies walked up to me and gave me a map of the area. They said they had bought the map for 2,000 won but that I could have it for free. “Things were already looking up”, I thought.

A restaurant on the main street of Gamcheon Culture Village

The village was buzzing with people. There were many tourists taking pictures and others negotiating lower prices for souvenirs with Ajummas (older aunties) in the small shops that lined the main road.

Souvenir shop

As I mentioned above, the village is on a hill and thus the houses are built in such a way that they look like they are stacked on top of each other. There are many stairways which connect houses to each other as well as houses to streets. So if you live up top, and you want to catch a bus on the main road, you would have to walk down many flights of stairs.

There is this staircase called ‘Stairs to See Stars’, it was named that because back then when villagers had to climb the 148 stairs carrying heavy loads to get to the top, they would feel dizzy and feel as though they were seeing stars.

'Stairs to see stars' staircase

The village has its own thriving economy with many businesses situated along the main road as well as in between houses. You could walk past a house and think it is someone’s home meanwhile it is a store. Also, the opposite could happen. I nearly walked into so many people’s homes thinking they are cute little shops or art studios.

A shop amongst the houses

After buying some Hotteok, which looks like a vetkoek with cinnamon and seeds inside, I wandered aimlessly through the streets. I came across a perfect spot where I could take beautiful scenic shots. Gamcheon Culture Village reminds me so much of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town because of its colourful houses and friendly local community.

A view from the top

While wandering around the village I came across this old man who was more than happy to be my personal photographer. His English was really good and we had a good conversation. Things got a little awkward though when he insisted I get onto his motorbike and ride off with him into the sunset. After many polite NOs, I decided to quickly escape from him by going down one of the many staircases. It was while I was on this walk that I met a lovely Korean woman and her two children.

I bought an 'Ajumma' hat.

She happened to also be an English teacher and could hold down an interesting conversation. She explained the history of Gamcheon Culture Village and encouraged me to go to the little Museum which I had so swiftly walked past when I first arrived at the village. She and her kids walked me to the Museum and we exchanged numbers before we said our goodbyes.

The Museum

You see, I thought solo travelling would be a bit daunting and that I would go through the entire trip without meeting a single person but I was wrong. People are so open and willing to make friends but this requires that you be open and willing too.

Needless to say, Gamcheon Culture Village was a great adventure and I enjoyed every moment. I didn’t check my walking app but I’m pretty sure 50 000 steps were reached that day, hehe, okay let’s say 20 000 then.

Here is a collection of some of the photos I took:)