Gamcheon Culture Village offers a unique landscape and atmosphere with its brightly colored houses and charming alleyways cascading down the hillside. Simply strolling through the village is a delightful experience.
Formed in the 1950s when refugees from the Korean War settled here, the village has since been revitalized through collaboration between residents and artists, transforming the village into a beloved destination for travelers. Murals, sculptures, craft workshops, exhibition spaces, and cozy cafés line the narrow paths, allowing visitors to explore the village’s stories at a leisurely pace.
Stamp tours and hands-on programs are also available, offering various ways to experience Gamcheon. The village is open to all free of charge; however, to respect the daily lives of its residents, visiting hours are limited to 9 AM - 6 PM.
Jagalchi Market is Korea’s most iconic seafood market, filled with the lively voices of Busan ajummas (local middle-aged woman vendors) calling out, “Oiso, boiso, saiso!”—Busan dialect for “Come, look, and buy!”
If you want to experience the true taste of Busan’s sea and the warmth of its people, there’s no better place. Freshly caught seafood fills the stalls, and if you choose your fish on the spot, it’s sliced into sashimi right before your eyes. It is a must-visit spot that every traveler to Busan includes on their itinerary.
TIP: Jagalchi Festival
Held over four days in mid-October, the Jagalchi Festival celebrates “the sea, the people, and the stories of life.” The event features colorful parades sharing the lives of local fishermen, a Jagalchi Ajumma Contest, bustling food markets full of fresh seafood, and vibrant performances by local artists—all offering a deep dive into Busan’s unique maritime culture.
Perched 120 meters above (Letter P missing) Yongdusan Park, the observatory at Busan Tower offers a sweeping panoramic view of the city. From the top, you can take in iconic sights such as Yeongdo’s shoreline, Namhang Bridge, Jagalchi Market, and Gamcheon Culture Village—all unfolding like a vibrant postcard of Busan. Easily accessible via escalators from Gwangbok-ro Street, the tower is also a beloved spot for a leisurely city walk.
Every year on March 1, August 15, and New Year’s Eve, the tower hosts the “Citizen’s Bell Ringing Ceremony”. Seasonal night lighting displays illuminate the surroundings, making it one of Busan’s top date spots.
The outdoor plaza regularly features small-scale cultural programs, including street performances, traditional crafts, and exhibitions by local artists. During the Busan Fireworks Festival, the open view from Busan Tower makes it one of the most coveted spots for enjoying the show.
Gukje Market was formed in the late 1950s, when refugees and merchants gathered in Busan following the Korean War, as the city emerged as a major commercial hub. Located in Nampo-dong, the market is divided into several unique sections, including the Food Alley, Youth Street, All Goods Alley, Bupyeong (Canned Goods) Market, Arirang Street, and Vintage Alley.
Here, visitors can find a wide variety of goods at reasonable prices, from daily necessities to traditional souvenirs. It’s also a great place to enjoy Busan’s famous street foods—such as fish cakes (eomuk), spicy glass noodles, red bean porridge, and tteokbokki.
The market gained renewed popularity after the success of the film Ode to My Father, which used Gukje Market as its backdrop to portray key moments in Korea’s modern history. Thanks to the film’s emotional impact, the market has become a must-visit cultural and culinary destination in Busan.
Shop, eat, and soak in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Gukje Market—one of Busan’s most iconic and beloved hot spots.