5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Gyeongju with Nostalgic Japanese-Style Streets!

Gunsan, famous for its connection to Japan, is a tourist city located in the southwestern part of South Korea in Jeolla Buk-do. What remains there is the nostalgic streets of old Japan. Gunsan, which prospered as a port city for rice export during the Japanese colonial era, has many Japanese houses that have remained unchanged since that time due to the large number of Japanese residents. Would you like to take a journey through history in Gunsan? Here, we introduce some recommended tourist spots in Gunsan where you can encounter the old Japan, with a touch of nostalgia.

1.Gunsan Modern History Museum

The "Gunsan Modern History Museum" is a museum where you can learn about the history of Gunsan from ancient times to the modern era. It is very well-organized and divided by floors, showcasing everything from the history of Gunsan as a port town during the Joseon Dynasty to its role as a rice export hub during the Japanese colonial period. It's highly recommended as a starting point for your visit to Gunsan.

A highlight of the museum is the Modern Life Hall on the third floor, where the streets of Gunsan during the Japanese colonial era are recreated, allowing visitors to experience a time travel-like journey. You can even enter the buildings, so why not immerse yourself in the atmosphere? Some might even feel nostalgic, reminiscent of their childhood. The museum also offers an audio guide in Japanese, so even if you don’t speak Korean, you can still enjoy the experience.

2.Modern Cultural Heritage

Near the "Gunsan Modern History Museum," close to the port of Gunsan, many streets built by Japanese immigrants during the Japanese colonial period have been preserved. After the end of the war, the citizens of Gunsan used the remaining buildings as homes and stores, and active efforts to preserve these modern cultural heritage sites eventually transformed them into tourist spots.

The rice storage warehouse has been repurposed as a multi-purpose performance venue, and a coffee shop named "Sagawa," which carries the name of the Japanese-owned store from the past, is operating. One of the must-visit spots is "Iseongdang," a bakery that was established in 1920, often said to be the first modern-style bakery in Korea.

Originally run by the Japanese, after the war, the citizens of Gunsan opened their own bakery in the same location. The bakery’s signature item is the "Anpan" (sweet red bean bun) filled with a generous amount of red bean paste. Its popularity is so great that long lines form when the fresh batches are ready. A great tourist plan could be to "enjoy an old-fashioned Anpan while strolling through Changmae-dong."

3.Hirotsu House

The "Hirotsu House" is a representative modern cultural heritage site in Gunsan. This two-story wooden Japanese house was built by the Hirotsu family, who lived in Gunsan at the time. The roof, room layout, and garden remain as they were when the house was constructed. Stepping inside gives you the illusion of being in a rural town in Japan. Due to its excellent state of preservation, it is sometimes used in the filming of Korean movies and dramas.

Near Hirotsu House, there is a Japanese-style accommodation facility called "Koda Hall" where visitors can experience staying in tatami rooms and sleep on futons. It might be hard to imagine sleeping on tatami mats in Korea! The premises also have restaurants and convenience stores, making it very convenient. It is highly recommended for resting after a long day of travel.

4.Gyeongam-dong Railway Village

For those wanting to experience a nostalgic atmosphere, "Gyeongam-dong Railway Village" is the place to go. This popular tourist spot in Gunsan is located along a disused railway, with houses closely packed together. The nostalgic scenery that can’t be seen elsewhere has made this area a frequent filming location for dramas and movies.

This 2.5 km long railway was originally built to transport raw materials to a paper factory. As trains ran right next to the houses, three station staff would blow whistles to alert the residents whenever a train passed by.

After the cessation of freight train operations in 2008, the residents began using the area for daily activities such as growing vegetables and drying laundry. The unique scenery still remains today. Currently, a large-scale reclamation project is underway, and Gunsan is gradually transforming into a tourist resort area. It is hoped that the beautiful, old townscape will be preserved for years to come.

5.Unpa Lake (Eunpaho) Park

"Unpa Lake Park" is a popular dating spot with beautiful night views. The lake at dusk, shimmering with waves, is so beautiful that it was named "Unpa," meaning "Silver Wave." This park is famous for its cherry blossoms, and during spring, the cherry blossom-lined entrance is filled with families and couples. Some visitors bring picnics and enjoy the flower viewing. There are also inline skating rinks, cycling courses, and boats, making it a great spot for family outings.

If you're visiting as a couple, the evening is recommended. The park's famous "Mulbit Bridge" is illuminated with fountains, creating a romantic atmosphere. The music fountain, where music, lighting, and water come together, is a must-see. It happens around eight times a day, depending on the season, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.

◎ Summary

Many might be surprised to learn that the old, good-fashioned Japan can still be found in Gunsan, South Korea, a foreign land. Encountering a bit of nostalgic Japanese culture and immersing yourself in such scenery can be a wonderful tourist experience. In addition to the spots we’ve introduced, there are many more Japanese-style houses and temples in Gunsan. Be sure to enjoy this time-travel experience in Gunsan. With future developments as a resort area, Gunsan is a place to keep an eye on!