Dotted with colonial-era architecture, river view and rice-fuelled heritage, the port city of Gunsan is one of the jewels in South Korea’s cultural crown.
Part of the Dongguksa temple complex (Photo: Korea Tourism Organization)
Once a humble fishing village on the banks of the Geum River, Gunsan transformed into a key rice-shipping port under Japanese rule in the late 19th century. That chapter left its mark – quite literally – with dozens of original Japanese-style buildings still lining the streets today. Thankfully unscathed by the Korean War, Gunsan offers an authentic glimpse into a complex past. Throw in seaside charm and a quirky museum or two, and you’ve got a weekend well spent. Here are 7 of the city’s most unique things to see and do.
Visit a historic temple
The only surviving Japanese-style Buddhist temple in South Korea, Dongguksa Temple isn’t your typical Korean place of worship. Built in 1909 by Japanese monk Seoneungbulgwan, it was run by Japanese clergy for 36 years before returning to Korean hands after the nation’s liberation in 1945. Its simple, understated design – especially the connected Daeungjeon Hall and Yosachae buildings – offers a notable contrast to Korea’s more typically vivid and eye-catching style of temple. Dongguksa was declared a Cultural Asset in 2003 and remains a tranquil, thought-provoking place to explore Gunsan’s history.
6 Dongguksa-gil
Delve into Korea’s rich maritime heritage
History with a side helping of heavy artillery awaits visitors to the Jinpo Maritime Theme Park. Opened in 2008 to honour General Choi Mu-seon’s crushing naval victory over Japanese forces in 1380, this seaside park-cum-museum delivers a deep dive into Korea’s maritime might. With 16 decommissioned military crafts, including tanks, planes and the Vietnam War-era Wibongham Ship, you can climb aboard and explore inside at your leisure. Other highlights include an exhibition on ancient weaponry and naval life. It’s part museum, part playground, and all set against Gunsan’s sweeping sea views.
2 Naehang 2-gil / Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
Aircrafts on display at Gunsan Modern History Museum (Photo: Korea Tourism Organization)
Explore a fascinating history museum
Another of the city’s most popular cultural attractions is the Gunsan Modern History Museum, which transports visitors directly into the Gunsan’s past as a booming port under Japanese rule. A short taxi ride from the city centre, the museum paints a vivid picture of the city’s rise as a maritime trade hub, with vintage photos, maps and memorabilia, as well as a full-scale 1930s street reconstruction, among impressive collection of exhibits and artifacts on display.
240 Haemang-ro / Tues-Sun 9am-6pm Closed Mon
Escape the city in an urban oasis
Situated on the eastern edge of Gunsan, Eunpa Lake Park is the ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. Once a humble reservoir feeding nearby farms, it’s now a beloved urban escape teeming with nature and historical resonance. Indeed, within the park is a lake that featured on the Daedongyeojido, Korea’s iconic 19th-century map. Come spring, the cherry blossom tunnel here is nothing short of magical, with pink petals raining down like confetti. At night, visitors can stroll across the glowing Mulbit Bridge for views of the music fountain and shimmering lake.
9 Eunpasunhwan-gil, Naun-dong / Open all hours
The scenic environs of Eunpa Lake Park (Photo: Korea Tourism Organization)
Journey through a retro wonderland
Teeming with nostalgia, Gyeongamdong Railroad Town is among Gunsan’s quirkiest places to visit. Once a freight line linking a paper factory to Gunsan Station, the track was abandoned in 2008 before being reborn as a retro-themed wonderland several years later. Visitors can take photos along the tracks, rent an 1980s-style school uniform and try their hand at making dalgona candy from scratch. There are also old-school cafés, vintage snack stalls and photo studios, all serving up a whole host of vintage fun for all the family.
Open all hours
Take a trip to a nearby island
A scenic 90-minute ferry ride from Gogunsan Port, Seonyudo Island makes for a great day trip from Gunsan. The laid-back island in the Yellow Sea enchants visitors with its quiet beaches, picturesque bike trails and glorious sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Among the activities you can enjoy here include renting a bike and cruising the bridges that link Seonyudo to nearby islets, and hiking the verdant trails with their panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands.
A bridge connecting to Seonyudo Island (Photo: Republic of Korea via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Check out a traditional Japanese House
Located close to the centre of Gunsan, Sinheung-dong Japanese House (also known as Hirotsu House) was officially designated a Registered Cultural Heritage back in 2005. Built by wealthy landowner Hirotsu during the Japanese occupation, the house showcases authentic Japanese architecture with its timber structure, traditional roof and pristinely-landscaped garden. It’s also a popular filming location, having appeared in acclaimed Korean movies including The General’s Son and Tazza.
17 Guyeong 1-gil, Sinheung-dong / Tues-Sun 10am-5pm