A Short Story from Gamcheon Village

I am going to tell you a story; about you, me and us.

It is about how we change our and others life with justice and humanity, talent and patience .

It is about what today is called Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan of Korea. It’s began in 1950s.

Following the war in Korean Peninsula, the war that torn apart brothers and sisters…

The refugees and Taegeukdo followers started to open this village. It was a slum village by then, but now it is acknowledged as one of magnificent tourism spots in Busan.

There were around 30.000 people living in this village. Now its population is around 3.000. Birdmen on top of the roof are not included.

In 2009, Busan government invited artists to the village. They open workshops and work so hard…

…to change the slum area to a marvelous tourism spot with their talent and magic.

Flowers on the wall makes your pathway is more lively than before.

The blue roof, as blue as the sky, in a bright sky.

The artists are working hard to reach their best achievement.

Every inch is measured perfectly.

That kind of works makes this fine gentleman happily enjoys the beauty of the nature.

Colors create harmony. I believe.

These post birds are created to deliver your wishes.

Even Mother Penguin teaches the wisdom of life in Gamcheon.

You can also drop your wishes and letters in these boxes on the wall.

No leaves doesn’t mean no hopes.

Even a dino finds its place in Gamcheon.

The green wall will lead your way to your designated destination.

Pay attention to the fish  direction, for you not to get lost.

This is the time machine, tracking all things in the past.

As far as you can see there are roofs in the open air.

So how do you have in your mind about the Gamcheon Village?

There are two rules in Gamcheon; open alley and not blocking your neighbor from the nature.

Keeping those rules allows Lady Princess and her fox (not in frame) to feel the breeze and find the peace.

Roof and roof from the top. Happiness on the ground.

Loves are everywhere in Gamcheon.

Togetherness follows.

I took the picture, and bought one Gamcheon pie. After I finished the pie, I realize I should have bought many.

It is said that until 2009 the village was a slum and poor.

One of the old pictures shows how the villagers took a long queue to get water.

In Gamcheon people respect the law of nature. They place them self among the nature. Today Gamcheon is dubbed as the “Santorini from the East”.

Every corner in Gamcheon can be a good place for you to be digitalised.

This what happens when you combine tree, stairs, green wall, colourful burden and blue sky. Also the electrical wires.

The pots are mostly for water and kimchi. In the Lego village the pots are meant to please you and the nature.

The more interesting fact in Gamcheon, there are few rest room for all inhabitants. But as it is an artistic village, those rest rooms are good and clean.

This picture and the one after this, was taken from the bridge crossing the street to the parking lot. The car and motorcycle coming from the city center of Busan.

One hour in Gamcheon is just not enough for you to get close understanding about it. You need more visit.