Busan Gamcheon Culture Village (부산 감천문화마을)
"Gamcheon Culture Villiage is formed by houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname of "Machu Picchu of Busan." The many alleys cutting through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents."
I think I will call it the Santorini of Korea.
After our breakfast, we were pleasantly surprised to see our van waiting to take us to our next destination,
Hop on aboard! Such a big van for only the 2 of us, the tour guide and the driver.
The way there..... and below: you know you have reached when the road gets steeper and narrower!
Gamcheon Culture Village (Hangul: 감천문화마을; Hanja: 甘川文化-) is a town of Gamcheon-dong, Saha District, Busan, South Korea. The area is known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and brightly painted houses, which have been restored and enhanced in recent years to attract tourism
First, we had to go to the Tourist Info centre to get a bit of the background
In the 1950s......refugees fled the Korean War and lived in slums and shanty towns around Gamcheon
Being poor, they were given aid to convert their wooden houses into concrete ones
Gamcheon remained poor, until in 2009, the Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism of South Korea launched a project to model the village into a ceative community. The streets were decorated with artsy graffiti and some homes were transformed into studios, galleries and of course cafes. some remianed as homes to real folks. Gamcheon gained further popularity when the series "Running Man" was made there!
Replicas of the original wooden houses in Gamcheon but I am no replica of myself.
There is no entrance fee but you have to buy a map each for 2000KRW!
"This historically rich, mountainside slum became a famous tourist destination after getting an arty makeover in 2009 when students decided to brighten up the neighbourhood with clever touches up the stairs, down the lanes and around the corners. Today it's a colourful, quirky community of Lego-shaped homes, cafes and galleries, ideal for an hour or two of strolling and selfies."
from : Lonely Planet
narrow steps leading to houses
You can easily get lost in the labyrinth of steps!
Luckily we had Miae to show us the way and she took us to this rooftop where we can get a panoramic view of the village and the town.
This rooftop is also the best place for you to take a photo with the quaint hillside village houses,
Park Geun Hye also visited this village in 2012, but of course, she is in jail now, the corrupted B....H hehe!
Please don't cry, Park Geun Hye!
Actually they are asking you to keep you noise level down, because there are still inhabitants living there.
Some houses show signs of being lived in, but they were absolutely tiny and basci!
To keep you from getting lost in the maze, there are signs around
Nice village with flower planters and inviting little cafes.
shopping for souvenirs in a pop up store
steep and narrow pathways!
bakeries are in demand here!
Even has a kindie!
and these blobs of what? ice lollies on paper boats.
Nice painting of Lisbon, my bucket list.
School girl and boy, but the girl is not tall enough to rest her chin on the neck!
Interactive and 3 D pictures on the wall!
Love birds here and ahead!
Back down and back to our van! I love the van!!! My very own stretch-limousine.
