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Gunsan

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Gunsan

Gunsan, also known as Kunsan, is a city located in North Jeolla Province, South Korea. Located on the south bank of the Geum River, the city attracts travelers with its harmonious blend of history and modern attractions, creating an exciting destination with diverse and unforgettable experiences.

Gunsan was originally a small fishing village that developed into a port city in the late 19th century during the Japanese colonization of Korea. The area was also famous for its highly fertile soil, producing a lot of rice that was shipped to Japan in its time.

To this day, there are still some native Japanese living in Gunsan and there are some buildings that have typical Japanese architecture. Not only that, the city is also famous as a center of high-tech manufacturing industries and as an international trade location located about 200 kilometers southwest of Seoul on the central west coast of the Korean Peninsula.

In addition to its rich cultural history, Gunsan is also known to have several interesting tourist attractions that can be explored by tourists, such as Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory, Dongguksa Temple, Gunsan Modern History Street, and Jinpo Marine Park. With its rich culture and tourist attractions, Gunsan invites you to explore its beautiful diversity.

Travel Tips for Gunsan

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Gunsan

A guide to Gunsan's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Bicycle

Car Rental

Walking

The bus transportation system in Gunsan provides an efficient and economical way to explore this beautiful city. With routes covering a wide range of destinations, buses are a popular choice among tourists and locals alike. The fares are also very affordable, making the bus a convenient option for getting around. If you choose this type of transportation, make sure you have a recharged T-Money card to make traveling in the city easier.

Practical Tips for Gunsan

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is Gunsan known for?

As a city that originated from a small fishing village, Gunsan is famous for having experienced rapid growth in the fishing sector. In addition, the city is also known for having fertile farmland, making Gunsan famous for its quality seafood and agricultural products. One of the city's specialties is hoe, which is sliced raw fish. Meanwhile, in the agricultural industry, Gunsan is known for producing several types of high-quality food and fruit, such as rice, strawberries, and melons.

What are the top things to do in Gunsan?

Although Gunsan is not widely known among tourists, it offers a variety of interesting activities that you can enjoy, starting with a visit to the Gunsan Modern History Museum. At this museum, you can learn about Gunsan's strategic role as a port and the changes that have occurred throughout history. Consisting of three floors, the museum provides insight into Gunsan's journey from the past to the future.

One of the unique and must-visit destinations in Gunsan is Chowon Photo Studio. This studio gives visitors the opportunity to wear traditional Korean clothing while creating unforgettable moments through several photo spots that depict Gunsan in a certain era. The studio is also famous as the filming location of the popular Korean movie, Christmas in August.

If you're interested in exploring Japanese architecture, visit the Japanese House in Sinheung-dong. Here, you can walk down streets lined with historic Japanese houses from the colonial era. One particularly interesting house to visit is the Hirotsu House, which has been recognized as a Cultural Heritage since 2005. This tourist destination became popular for being the backdrop of several famous Korean movies, such as Fighter in the Wind, Tazza: The High Rollers, and The General's Son.

Where to eat in Gunsan?

No visit to an area in South Korea is complete without trying a few dishes at famous restaurants and cafes. Start your culinary journey with a visit to Hanilok, the most famous restaurant in the old district, located right across from Chowon Photo Studio. One of the must-try dishes during your visit is the beef radish soup, a delicious yet simple Korean dish. One of the great things about this restaurant is that the menu is available in multiple languages to help foreign travelers enjoy their meal.

Next, visit Lee Sung Dang, the oldest bakery in Korea that has been operating since 1945. One of the menus you can enjoy here is danpatppang, a type of bread filled with red bean paste, and yachaeppang, a bread filled with vegetables.

Last but not least, you can visit Miz Cafe, one of the most popular cafes in the Gunsan area with a beautiful interior. When visiting this cafe, order your drink on the ground floor and then take off your shoes to go upstairs and find traditional Korean seating.

How is the weather in Gunsan?

Gunsan has pleasant weather throughout the year, characterized by warm, humid and wet summers and cold, dry and windy winters. Temperatures in Gunsan show significant variation, ranging from -4°C to 30°C, with rare occurrences of temperatures below -9°C or above 33°C. If you plan to visit the city, it is recommended to come in late May to late June or from late August to early October. During these periods, you can enjoy the distinctive charm and beauty of Gunsan amidst the warm weather.

How long does it take to drive from Seoul to Gunsan?

Traveling from Seoul to Gunsan by car can be a fun way. To reach Gunsan from Seoul, you have to travel about 200 kilometers, with a travel time ranging from 2 to 3 hours. This duration depends on several factors such as weather conditions, traffic, and your driving speed. If you're looking for a more efficient travel option from Seoul to Gunsan, consider taking the train, which offers a travel time of about 1.5 hours.