Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of old Korea at Gunsan Time Travel Village (군산 시간여행마을)! Nestled in Jeollabuk-do, this living museum resurrects the 1930s-60s era when Gunsan thrived as a bustling port city. For foreign travelers, it’s a tactile, Instagram-perfect voyage into Korea’s modernization period—no DeLorean required!
Why Visit?
Gunsan’s unique history blends Japanese colonial architecture, retro Korean streetscapes, and maritime culture. Unlike sanitized museums, this village lets you touch, wear, and play with history. Rent a vintage school uniform or hanbok (only ₩5,000/hour!), then wander streets lined with restored banks, pharmacies, and homes—each bursting with photogenic nostalgia.
Top Experiences:
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Role-Playing Revolution
- Be a 1960s Student: Attend a “class” in an old-school wooden desk, writing with ink brushes.
- Shopkeeper for a Day: Run a mock traditional rice store or apothecary—perfect for playful photos!
- Fisherman’s Life: Try rope-making or pose with life-sized boat replicas at the dockside zone.
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Architectural Time Capsule
Don’t miss the Former Gunsan Customs House (a red-brick beauty) or Dongguksa Temple with its haunting colonial hybrid design. Peek into Lee Chung-ho’s House—a preserved 1930s residence showcasing period furniture. -
Hands-On Workshops
- Make ppang (old-school red bean buns) at a 1950s bakery.
- Craft your own jangseung (Korean totem pole) or traditional fan.
- Sip sikhye (sweet rice drink) at a retro tea stall.
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Night Magic
As dusk falls, vintage neon signs flicker on. Capture the moody glow of Jungang Road—reminiscent of Wong Kar-wai films!
Practical Tips for Foreigners:
- Getting There: Take a KTX to Iksan Station (2 hrs from Seoul), then bus #790 to Gunsan Intercity Terminal (20 min). Walk 10 mins to the village.
- Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed Mondays). Night views until 10 PM.
- Fee: FREE entry! (Workshops/rentals cost ₩3,000–₩15,000).
- Pro Tip: Grab an English map at the Tourist Center (near Old Gunsan Station). Staff speak basic English!
Why You’ll Love It:
> “Gunsan isn’t just history—it’s alive. I spent hours sipping barley tea in a 1940s café, watching locals play janggi (Korean chess). No barriers, no velvet ropes—just pure, joyful time travel!” — Sophie, Australia
Final Verdict: Gunsan Time Travel Village offers what guidebooks can’t: emotional resonance. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with stories etched in your senses. Ready to trade pixels for memories? Pack curiosity—and comfy shoes! 🚢⏳
📍 Location: 240 Jungang-dong, Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do
🌐 More info: Gunsan City Tourism