Gamcheon Cultural Village, often called the “Santorini of Korea,” is one of Busan’s most vibrant and picturesque destinations. Nestled on a hillside, this former refugee village has been transformed into a colourful maze of narrow alleys, mural-covered houses, and quirky art installations.
Imagine yourself wandering through its charming alley, discovering hidden galleries, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the city and sea… Beyond its visual appeal, Gamcheon Cultural Village is rich in history and culture, making it a must-visit spot for those looking to experience Busan’s artistic and local charm.
KTX is usually my first choice for transportation from Seoul to Busan. It only takes about 2.5 hours to reach Busan by KTX. A big time saver compared to the usually 6++ hours road trip. Travelling during winter is a plus point as you get to see these breathtaking snow scenes along the journey.
Another pocket-friendly method to travel from Seoul to Busan without spending a penny is to hop onto the free shuttle bus made available for foreigners (and only foreigners). However, it has lesser bus frequency and definitely time-consuming. Not recommended if you are planning on a 2D1N trip or in short of time. However, you will be able to save up about KRW 140,000 (abt SGD 166) of KTX fares if you opt for a free shuttle.
Famed as Korea’s Santorini, this little village in Busan Gamcheon 2-dong has its own artistic and historic charm that continues to lure its visitors. This village is originally called Taegukdo Village. Taegukdo is originally a religious community, or to be exact, a religion that was regarded as obscene during the political turmoil back in the 1990s. Their members believe in the philosophy of Yin and Yang, and how the principle rules the universe. The Taeguk symbol has been an important factor in Korean history — You can even see the symbol on the South Korean Flag today.
After the Korean War, this village was filled up with refugees and the followers of the Taegukdo Religion. They build houses along the steep hillsides, each house watching over the sea, since then the village has pretty much preserved its appearance for decades.
Alighting from the Maeul-Bus (Buses that commute within the community), you would find yourself surrounded by houses in lovely pastel hues. A few hal-moni (old grandmas) carrying a huge basket of vegetables, walked uphill with us and then went into their house.
The long, long path, the mysterious ally that you won’t know where it leads to….everything is surreal here. Even time travel slow here in the village.
Beware of the winding alleys—getting lost in Gamcheon Cultural Village is almost inevitable! These narrow paths lead to multiple intersections, and a wrong turn could have you circling the entire village or taking an unexpected uphill route instead of an easier downhill one. A helpful tip: follow the painted fish signs that “swim” through the village. They’ll guide you to major landmarks and the most popular spots!
Continue walking until you reach the old hot spring building—the only one with a large hot spring signboard—one of the best spots for a panoramic view of the village. From here, you’ll see rows of colourful houses stacked like vibrant matchboxes, their blue rooftops blending seamlessly with pastel pink, yellow, and green facades against the turquoise sky. The magic truly unfolds when the sun shines, casting a golden glow over the village and illuminating its vivid colours, making every corner irresistibly photogenic!
According to a CNN article, this village boasts a unique and cleverly planned multi-tiered communal layout, influenced by Taegukdo teachings. The tiered design ensures that no house obstructs the view of the one behind it, embodying the principle of allowing others to prosper.
My Verdict: I’m not particularly a fan of the individual art displays—I don’t quite get them. Maybe it’s just my lack of appreciation for modern art. However, I absolutely love the vibrant surroundings and the quaint yet mysterious atmosphere of the village. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place in Busan, offering a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers along Haeundae Beach, the bustling scene at Gwangalli, and the energy of the traditional markets.
One of my favourite experiences? Watching the tiny green bus climb the steep hills like a time traveller. Boarding it and finding yourself among a community of elderly locals adds a unique charm to the journey. Gamcheon’s blend of humanity and artistry places it somewhere between old and new Busan—a refreshing getaway from the city’s usual sights. Expect surprises at every turn in this whimsical village!
To the 1st Time Visitors:
Purchase a guide map at the community center, where you can collect stamps as you explore the village and exchange them for postcards at designated stations. The stamp locations are set at key attractions, so collecting all eight ensures you’ve covered all the must-see spots!
Another charming way to relive your memories of Gamcheon Cultural Village is by sending a postcard to your future self. Simply drop it into the red postbox, which offers a slow mail service—delivering your postcard approximately a year after your visit, making it a delightful surprise!
To Prepare:
Wear a good pair of walking shoes, as exploring the full beginner course takes at least 2-3 hours. I completed mine in about 4 hours, including breaks and endless photo stops. Don’t forget sunblock in summer and a moisturizing balm in winter to stay comfortable throughout your walk!
Directions:
There are several ways to reach Gamcheon Cultural Village, but I found this route the simplest:
- Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Toseong Station (토성역).
- Exit at Toseong Station Exit 6, walk straight, then turn right (follow the teal-coloured route in the below photo).
- Look out for a small bus stop sign in front of Pusan National University Hospital (Block C, Cancer Centre, aka PNU Cancer Centre).
- Board the Green Maeul Bus (마을 버스) 1-1, or 2 or 2-2, which takes you directly to the village without the hassle of transfers.
This route is convenient and saves time, making your journey to the village much smoother!
Hi, may I know if the bus that you took to Gamcheon Cultural Village is free?
Hi, I went there via public transport, hence it is not free. 🙂
Hi! Could you explain more about the journey back to the station from the village? Is it the same bus at the same bus stop?
Hello Alex, usually bus transport system works the same way everywhere, and it is pretty straightforward at Gamcheon Cultural Village – remember where you got off, and after you’re done with this place, go to the bus stop OPPOSITE the one where you alighted. Then, take the same bus to Toseong Station and you should be able to navigate around from Toseong. The bus stop might not be exactly opposite the arrival bus stop, it should be in the vicinity.