Gamcheon Culture Village (Busan)

Gamcheon Culture Village was easily one of the more interesting places that we visited in Busan. 

I suggest that you pick up a Stamp Map (2000 won) at the Information Center for a couple of reasons. 

Firstly, the profits made from selling these maps go towards providing free shuttle bus services for locals who face difficulties in using public transportation, providing house repair services etc. 

Secondly, for obvious reasons- it is a map so you don't get lost in the labyrinth of colourful houses. There are 3 recommended tour courses (marked out in different colours on the map) of different durations- 40 minutes, 1h 20 minutes and 2 hours. 

Thirdly, the map ups the fun factor by letting you collect stamps (those with ink, not postage stamps) at several locations. However, to collect the complete set of stamps, this requires you to take the Stamp Course which is around 2 hours. I am sure that children will enjoy walking the route even if it's just for collecting the stamps! 

Take your time here to wander around the nooks and crannies. Lots of interesting art works screaming with vibrant colours. 

This had to be one of, if not the most, popular artwork in Gamcheon Culture Village- Little Prince and Fennec Fox. I read The Little Prince at least 3-4 times in the past 2 decades, each time trying to see if I get a new understanding out of it- nope. All I remember was quoting this passage from the book "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye". 

There was a long queue on the right of the Little Prince, where people were waiting to take a picture with the little prince- every single one of them with the exact same pose. While I initially intended to join the line as well, I decided that it was perhaps best to leave the little prince and the fox the way they are, without an intruder between them. 

There were also plenty of cafes and food shops for you to rest your tired legs and enjoy some refreshing drinks or fill your tummies. One shop sold these interesting cotton candy in various animal shapes! There were also souvenir shops with absolutely beautiful items. 

Our elderly parents were not that interested in walking the trails (everything looked the same to them and bearing in mind the slopes as well) and were more interested in sipping their aromatic coffees. 

Overall, if you are the kind of person who likes to wander around and are interested in colourful artworks, this is the place for you.