Here’s why you should visit the transformed village of Gamcheon

After undergoing massive cultural renovations, the village of Gamcheon in Busan has become a hotspot for tourists.

The mountainside village of Gamcheon, located in the Busan region, has become renowned as a culture village following a decision by the local government to regenerate the area and turn it into a tourist attraction. The community has come to be known as the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’, and receives seven to eight thousand visitors every weekend.

Gamcheon
The impoverished village of Gamcheon before renovations took place. / Source: The Nomad Within

The village was initially classified as a slum when thousands of refugees fleeing from the Korean War in the 1950’s settled into the mountainside community in temporary homes.

Gamcheon
The mountainside ‘Lego Village’ of Gamcheon after its dramatic transformation. / Source: Korea – The Final Chapter

The villages labyrinthine alleys are now vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures which express the areas high creativity, which abandoned houses have been renovated into museums and art galleries.

Gamcheon Art
Sculptures overlooking Gamcheon. / Source: Un Pastiche

Some shops, cafes, and restaurants have also opened in the area, while guided tours and a variety of workshops are available all year round. A program of cultural festivals has also been put in place, each to give the village its unique appeal.

Gamcheon Festival
One of the many cultural festivals that takes place in Gamcheon. / Source: International Association of Educating Cities

INFINITE visited Gamcheon while filming their Busan Travel Documentary. Members L, Sungyeol, Woohyun and Sungjong spent the day exploring the streets in a race to collect seven stamps at popular tourist stops. L took many pictures of the beautiful village, while Sungyeol and Woohyun participated in an art workshop which included Tie-dye and painting.

INFINITE Sungyeol and Woohyun
Sungyeol and Woohyun exploring the streets of Gamcheon.
INFINITE L
L stops to take pictures of the beautiful scenery.
INFINITE L and Sungjong
L and Sungjong taking part in the race to find the seven stamps.

Source: Yonhap and International Association of Educating Cities