Gunsan: A Journey Through Time and Taste | KHOREA – KHOREA: Luxury Travel Guide to Korea

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Discover Gunsan: A Journey Through Time and Taste

Welcome to Gunsan, a captivating coastal city in Jeonbuk state, South Korea, where modern history, rich culture, and a distinctive food culture come together.

Gunsan Tour Official

Geography & History

Geography

Located on the western coast of South Korea facing the Yellow Sea, Gunsan is renowned for its scenic coastal landscapes, tidal flats, and the massive Saemangeum Seawall.

History

Gunsan holds a vital place in modern Korean history. Opening as an international port in 1899 during the Korean Empire, it later experienced the tumultuous Japanese colonial period. Today, the city preserves numerous historical warehouses, colonial-era buildings, and modern architectural landmarks that bear witness to its past.

Culture & The Time Travel Village

Gunsan’s cultural identity is a unique blend of early 20th-century historical heritage and a vibrant, passionate local food culture.

The Time Travel Village (Modernization Street)

This central tourist district is an ideal walking route, with major historical and cultural landmarks clustered within a 10- to 15-minute walk.

Top Tourist Attractions

Chowon Photo Studio (초원사진관)

The iconic filming location of the beloved Korean romance film Christmas in August.

Gunsan Modern History Museum

A museum highlighting Gunsan’s maritime history, the opening of its port, and modern independence movements.

Hirotsu House (Shinhung-dong Japanese-style House)

A remarkably well-preserved traditional Japanese-style residential building reflecting the colonial architecture of the era.

Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village (경암동 철길마을)

A nostalgic village featuring old houses and shops running alongside a defunct railway track.

Gunsan Food Tour: Famous Jjampong & Bakery Spots

Gunsan is a true foodie paradise, celebrated nationwide for its spicy seafood noodles (Jjampong, 짬뽕) and historic bakery culture.

🍜 Top Jjampong Restaurants Near the Center

Binhaewon (빈해원) – Located just a 9-minute walk from Chowon Photo Studio at the entrance of the “Gunsan Jjampong Special Street,” making it easy to combine sightseeing with a meal.

Jirinseong (지린성) – Situated about a 15-minute walk from the historic center, perfectly positioned along the route toward Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village or the bus terminal.

Bokseongru (복성루) – Located about a 20-minute walk from the main tourist hub; a short, inexpensive taxi ride is recommended if you prefer not to walk.

🥖 Lee Seong-dang Bakery (이성당)

As Korea’s oldest bakery, located just a 5-minute walk from Chowon Photo Studio, Lee Seong-dang attracts long weekend lines.

💡How to Avoid the Long Lines

Use these insider tips to save time:

Skip the Line for General Pastries: The long queue outside is mainly for the signature red bean (danpatppang, 단팥빵) and vegetable breads. If you want other pastries like melon pans, croquettes, choux cream breads, or tarts, you can bypass the line and walk straight inside.

Visit the Annex (신관) for Signature Breads: The modern annex right next to the main building sells set-packaged signature breads made with the exact same recipe as the main store, requiring little to no wait.

Must-Try Hidden Menu: Pair your spicy Gunsan Jjampong with their rich, old-school milkshake and a generously filled choux cream bread for the ultimate local combination.

How to Get to Gunsan from Seoul

By Train: KTX + Transfer or Direct Train

Travelers can take high-speed KTX or SRT services to Iksan Station and transfer to regional connecting trains, reducing total travel time to around 2 hours 20 minutes.

Alternatively, direct conventional trains, including ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa services, run from Yongsan Station directly to Gunsan Station, taking approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes.

By Bus

Frequent express and intercity buses run from the Seoul Central City Bus Terminal (Express Bus Terminal) to the Gunsan Express Bus Terminal, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Some photographs never fade.
Neither do the memories of Gunsan.

🎬 K-Dramas & Movies Connected with Gunsan

Christmas in August (1998, 8월의 크리스마스) Starring: Han Suk-kyu, Shim Eun-ha
Filmed mostly in Gunsan, Chowon Photo Studio remains one of Korea’s most beloved movie locations, where visitors can relive the timeless romance of this classic film.
Tazza: The High Rollers (2006, 타짜) Starring: Cho Seung-woo, Kim Hye-soo
Several scenes featuring Korea’s nostalgic streets were filmed around Gunsan’s preserved modern heritage district.
The Attorney (2013, 변호인) Starring: Song Kang-ho, Kim Young-ae
Gunsan’s retro streets and period architecture have frequently doubled as Korea of the 1970s and 1980s.
The Thieves (2012, 도둑들) Starring: Kim Yoon-seok, Jun Ji-hyun
Historic streets and distinctive colonial-era buildings have made Gunsan a favorite filming destination for many Korean productions.
The Battleship Island (2017, 군함도) Starring: Hwang Jung-min, So Ji-sub, Song Joong-ki
Although not filmed in Gunsan, the city’s modern history museums and colonial-era heritage help visitors better understand the historical background portrayed in the film.