Gunsan Heritage Walk: Museums, Film Locations & Historic Houses
Gunsan Travel Guide – Retro Harbor Streets, Historic Bakery & Island Views
Gunsan is a coastal city on Korea’s west coast where modern history, Japanese colonial-era streets, retro cafés and island scenery all come together. This guide covers transport, what to see, what to eat and how to plan a 1–2 day trip including Modern History Street, Leesungdang bakery and Seonyudo Island.
🏙 Why Visit Gunsan?
Once a key colonial port city, Gunsan today is one of the best places in Korea to experience Japanese-era architecture, retro streets and waterfront scenery in a compact area. Travelers come here for the Gunsan Modern History Museum, Modern History Street, Japanese-style houses, film locations, and of course Leesungdang bakery, one of Korea’s most famous bread shops.
Beyond history, Gunsan also offers lakeside walks at Eunpa Lake Park and stunning islands in the Gogunsan Archipelago, especially Seonyudo Island, which has beaches, sea views and bike paths. You can enjoy both urban heritage and nature in just one trip.
🚆 How to Get to Gunsan
| From | Transport | Time (one way) | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | Express bus → Gunsan Bus Terminal | ~2.5–3 hours | ₩15,000–₩25,000 | Frequent, budget-friendly; good for day trips or weekends. |
| Seoul | Train (Mugunghwa/ITX) → Gunsan Station | ~3 hours | ₩15,000–₩30,000 | Comfortable; station is near the city center. |
| Incheon / Airport | Express bus (via major hubs) | 3–4+ hours | Varies | Check schedules and consider combining with Seoul. |
| Jeonju / Iksan | Intercity bus | ~1–1.5 hours | ₩7,000–₩12,000 | Easy to combine in a multi-city Jeolla trip. |
Once in Gunsan, most sights in the old town area are walkable or a short taxi ride away. For Seonyudo Island, you’ll need to reach the coastal ferry terminal by bus or taxi.
🏨 Where to Stay in Gunsan
Old Town / Modern History Street Area
Staying near the Modern History Street or downtown district puts you within walking distance of historic buildings, cafes and Leesungdang bakery. You’ll find small hotels, motels and guesthouses, some in renovated historic buildings.
Mid-range room prices usually fall around ₩60,000–₩120,000 per night depending on season.
Near Eunpa Lake or Coastal Area
If you prefer quieter evenings, look for pensions or small hotels near Eunpa Lake Park or along the coast. These areas are better if you have a car and want to split time between the city and nature.
🏛 Modern History Street & Japanese Colonial-Era Architecture
Gunsan Modern History Museum
Start at the Gunsan Modern History Museum to understand how Gunsan changed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibits cover the rise of Gunsan as a port, everyday life under Japanese rule and the city’s transformation after liberation.
Japanese-Style House in Sinheung-dong (Hirotsu House)
The Japanese-style House in Sinheung-dong, sometimes called Hirotsu House, is a preserved two-story wooden home with a Japanese garden, sloped tiled roof and wooden veranda. It was once owned by a Japanese merchant and has been used as a film and drama location.
Dongguksa Temple
Dongguksa is a rare example of a Japanese-style Buddhist temple in Korea. Its simple wooden architecture, rectangular windows and modest roof design feel very different from typical Korean temples, making it a powerful stop on any modern history route.
Old Bank Buildings & Customs House
Around the harbor and Modern History Street, you’ll see former colonial-era bank buildings and the old customs house. Many now function as museums, galleries or cultural centers, but their stone facades and classical details remain, ideal for photos and architecture fans.
Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village
Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village preserves a short railway track running between houses and alleys, with retro signs and photo zones. You can walk along the tracks, take nostalgic photos and see how everyday life and transport once intersected here.
Chowon Photo Studio & Film Locations
The Chowon Photo Studio, famous from the film “Christmas in August,” is another highlight near Modern History Street. Combined with Hirotsu House and other locations, Gunsan often feels like a large open-air movie set.
🌊 Eunpa Lake Park & Seonyudo Island (Gogunsan Archipelago)
Eunpa Lake Park
Eunpa Lake Park is a popular local spot with walking and cycling paths along the water, bridges, trees and seasonal flowers. In spring, cherry blossoms line the lakeside paths; in autumn, the leaves turn warm shades of red and yellow.
Ideal for a relaxed stroll after a day exploring heavy history sites in the old town.
Seonyudo Island & Gogunsan Archipelago
Off the coast of Gunsan lies the Gogunsan Archipelago, a cluster of small islands. The most famous is Seonyudo Island, known for sea views, beaches, sunset spots and bike rentals. Bridges connect Seonyudo with nearby islands, so you can easily explore multiple viewpoints.
Reaching Seonyudo usually involves a bus or taxi to the coastal ferry terminal, then a boat ride. It works best as part of a 2-day itinerary with at least one night in Gunsan or on the islands.
🍲 What to Eat in Gunsan
Gunsan combines its history as a port with a long-standing bakery culture, making it a great place to try both seafood and famous bread.
Leesungdang Bakery
Leesungdang (이성당) is one of Korea’s oldest and most famous bakeries, often with lines out the door. Its signature items include vegetable bread (filled with cabbage and meat) and sweet red bean bread. The retro interior and crowds give it an almost pilgrimage-like feel for bread lovers.
Seafood & Local Dishes
As a harbor city, Gunsan offers:
- Fresh sashimi & grilled fish at restaurants near the port.
- Fish stews (maeuntang) and various jjigae in local eateries.
- Cafés in renovated historic buildings serving coffee, cakes and desserts with a retro vibe.
🗓 Suggested Gunsan Itineraries (1–2 Days)
1-Day Gunsan Old Town & Harbor Course
- Morning: Arrive in Gunsan (bus or train) → Walk to Gunsan Modern History Museum.
- Explore Modern History Street, old bank buildings and the former customs house.
- Lunch: Simple Korean meal or seafood near the inner harbor.
- Afternoon: Visit Japanese-style House in Sinheung-dong and Dongguksa Temple.
- Late afternoon: Stroll through Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village and Chowon Photo Studio area for retro photos.
- Evening: Stop at Leesungdang bakery before returning to Seoul or your next city.
2-Day Gunsan & Seonyudo Island Course
- Day 1 Morning: Follow the Modern History Street & museum course.
- Day 1 Afternoon: Explore Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village and harbor views.
- Evening: Dinner in downtown Gunsan and overnight stay near the old town.
- Day 2 Morning: Head to ferry terminal → Boat to Seonyudo Island.
- Day 2 Afternoon: Rent a bike, explore island viewpoints and beaches, enjoy lunch with sea views.
- Late afternoon: Return to Gunsan and then back to Seoul or continue your west coast journey.
🗺 Map & Useful Links
Naver Map – Gunsan Modern History Museum
Naver Map – Japanese-Style House in Sinheung-dong
Naver Map – Dongguksa Temple
Naver Map – Leesungdang Bakery
Naver Map – Eunpa Lake Park
Naver Map – Seonyudo Island (Gogunsan Archipelago)
❓ Gunsan Travel FAQ
Is Gunsan only about colonial history?
No. While colonial-era buildings are a major attraction, Gunsan also offers island scenery, lake parks, seafood restaurants and modern cafés. You can balance heavier history with relaxing nature and food experiences.
Do I need to rent a car in Gunsan?
For the old town area, a car is not necessary – most places are walkable. A car can be helpful if you want to visit Eunpa Lake, the ferry terminal for Seonyudo and other coastal spots on a flexible schedule.
When is the best time to visit Gunsan?
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking the streets and enjoying clear harbor views. Summer is great for Seonyudo Island and coastal trips but can be hot, while winter brings crisp air and fewer crowds in the historic districts.
More West Coast & History Trips
If you enjoyed this Gunsan guide, you might also like: Jeonju Hanok Village & Food Guide · Boryeong & Daecheon Beach Guide · DMZ Modern History Day Trip
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