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About Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village has been labeled the “Santorini of Korea” or the “Machu Picchu of Korea” due to the colorful homes built around the foothills of Saha-gu Mountain. The area used to be a poor neighborhood, but the government gradually turned it into an artsy tourist destination. The homes and buildings are painted in vibrant colors with murals and paintings along the alleys and walls. There are cafés, restaurants, and food stalls inside the village, too. Walking through the village takes about 1-2 hours, but if you enjoy art and taking photos, you can easily spend 4 hours or more.

Travel tip: You can buy a stamp map of the village in the tourist office by the entrance for 2,000KRW (~$1.50 USD). It shows all the places of interest within the village. If you collect all of the stamps, you can exchange your completed map for a postcard.

How to Get to Gamcheon Culture Village

To get to the Gamcheon Culture Village, take the #1 Line (Orange Line) to Toseong Station and take Exit 6. From there you can either take a taxi (the best option!) from outside Busan Station or take bus number 2 or 2-2 from outside the Busan Medical Center and get off at Gamcheon Elementary School (감천초등학교). If you choose to walk, be prepared for stairs and steep hills through residential areas.

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Famous Art in Gamcheon Culture Village

Book staircase: Leading to Cheon Deok Su’s Well and hidden in a little corner of the village, this spot is super cute. There are books from different countries and cultures painted on steps to make it look like a bookcase.

The Little Prince and the Fennec Fox: The statue of the Little Prince overlooking the village is by far the most popular photo spot. Warning—there may be a line to take pictures.

The Stairs to See Stars: These 148 stairs in the middle of the village are a little difficult to find. However, you see different art depending on which way you’re taking the stairs.

Remember, this is a residential area and not all the locals are happy about the influx of tourists. The best you can do is be quiet and respectful, follow all signs, and keep on marked paths. With that in mind, enjoy the colorful village’s art, vibe, and quirks while in Busan! For more places of interest, food recommendations, and travel tips, be sure to check out my [Busan Travel Guide].

Peace & happy travels,

Tay