Explore Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village in Korea is a must-visit and of the best things to do in Busan. This colourful spot is quickly becoming a favourite, and it's easy to see why! This vibrant "rainbow village" offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, promising an adventure around every corner.

Come along with us as we explore this enchanting hillside town in our 'Korea's Rainbow Town: Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan' video, which gives you a peek into the magic of Gamcheon.

Aerial view of Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan South Korea

The History of Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Village has a rich history. It was originally built in the 1920s as a home for people who worked at the nearby Busan port. After the Korean War, it grew even more as many families settled there as refugees.

While the houses on the hill already had some colour, the Korean Government stepped in to take it to the next level. They invited artists and residents to transform the area into a vibrant cultural hub. They really leaned into the colourful theme, painting the houses in bright pastel shades that you can spot from far away. Alongside these fresh coats of paint, all sorts of art installations, quirky shops, and cosy cafés popped up.

And just like that, the village was officially reborn as Korea's rainbow town.

How to get to Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Village is nestled in Busan, Korea's second-biggest city.

Getting to this colourful town is pretty straightforward, though it might vary slightly depending on whether you're staying near Busan's beaches or in the city centre. You can easily take a combination of the metro and a bus, or simply hail a taxi or order one through an app.

For public transport, we highly recommend downloading the Naver App to plan your route. It's a must because Google Maps doesn't support directions in Korea. Once you have the App tap this link and plan your route using the public transport option.

If you prefer the convenience of a taxi, grab the Kakao Taxi app. It's essentially Korea's version of Uber. While Uber might technically work, you'll likely have a much longer wait for a car to pick you up, which is why Kakao Taxi is our go-to choice.

Address of Gamcheon Culture Village: 부산 사하구 감내2로 203

Naver Link to Gamcheon Culture Village: https://naver.me/5iTdxyDV

Naver App: iOS and Android

Kakao Taxi App: iOS and Android

How to Explore Gamcheon Culture Village

If you've followed our directions, you'll arrive at the Gamcheon Culture Village Tourism Information Centre. This spot marks the very top of the village and is the ideal starting point, especially on a hot day. Since Gamcheon is built on a hill, it's a maze of steep roads and staircases. Trust us, during the Korean summer, you'll definitely want to begin from the top and make your way down!

The absolute best way to experience this town is to simply get lost in its countless tiny alleys, which form a massive labyrinth. Just wander around, making your way up and down the stairs to discover hidden art installations, photo spots, cosy cafes, tasty snack stalls, unique shops, and some of the most iconic views of Busan. Every time you venture down an alley, you'll find it branches off into four more, offering even more to explore.

Shops in Gamcheon Culture Village

You can pick up some nice souvenirs and there are some unique art stores and workshops to visit. Keep an eye out – you might find them "inhabited" by some of the village's friendly local cats, dogs, and even chickens.

A couple of our personal favourites were The Home Market for quirky artsy souvenirs, homeware, and jewellery, and Art Space Project Busan for art and a beautiful garden. But as you wander around, you're bound to stumble upon your own special finds.

Location: The Home Market

Location: Art Space Project Busan

Cafés in Gamcheon Culture Village

Spending hours navigating the village's maze of streets can definitely be a workout, so make sure to recharge and relax with a refreshing iced drink and snack. While you unwind, you'll also be supporting the local residents, all while soaking in the majestic views from a cafe.

There are loads of cafes to choose from, but we particularly loved the atmosphere, views, and warm hospitality at 커피잇집 (Coffee It House), Cafe Wooin, and Blue House on The Stairs.

Location: 커피잇집 (Coffee It House)
Address (Korean): 부산광역시 사하구 감천동10-62
Address (English): 10-62 Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan

Location: Cafe Wooin
Address (Korean): 부산 사하구 감천2동 2-202
Address (English): 2-202 감천제2동 Saha-gu, Busan

Location: Blue House on The Stairs
Address (Korean): 부산 사하구 감내1로243번길 3
Address (English): 3 Gamnae 1-ro 243beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan

Leaving Gamcheon Culture Village

Once you've reached the bottom and wrapped up your Gamcheon adventure, simply open your Naver App to easily navigate to your next spot, or order a taxi with the Kakao Taxi app.

Catch us exploring Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan in our ANYDOKO Original video, all about Korea's most colourful town!

CREDITS

Director & Writer: Vikash Autar
Editor: Mart Sarmiento
Featuring: Evelyn Lok
Production Company: ANYDOKO Studios