Places to visit in Gunsan, a 1-night 2-day itinerary and the city's story

Why Gunsan

The mountains in its name actually float on the sea

In Gunsan, gun (群) means group and san (山) means mountain. Together, they mean a place where mountains gather in a group.

But here's the interesting part: those mountains aren't on land. The mountains in the name are islands floating on the sea, the Gogunsan Islands. Some 60 islands are scattered like stars, so from afar they really do look like a mountain range lying on the water.

It's a city where mountains, sea and islands overlap like an ink-wash painting. That's why Gunsan's scenery feels somehow quiet and a little distant.

It was the port where the rice was shipped away

Gunsan got the face it has today because of rice.

A spot with Korea's widest granary at its back and the sea in front. There was no better port for loading rice onto ships. So Imperial Japan planned this city for exploitation. Red-brick banks, a customs house and entire Japanese-style residential neighborhoods went up.

In 1934 alone, more than 2000,000 seok of rice left for Japan through Gunsan Port. The sweat poured out on the plains simply evaporated at the port.

It's a painful memory. But Gunsan didn't tear those buildings down. Instead of erasing the memory, it chose to keep it.

Thanks to that decision, today we can walk the streets of the 1930s just as they were. The city that held on to things that were fading away is now inviting you into that time.

Gunsan's two areas: the islands and the old downtown

A sea you drive along, and alleys you explore on foot

A Gunsan trip splits broadly into the sea side and the downtown side. Gunsan City also groups its sights into two: the Gogunsan Islands and the Time Travel Village.

Gogunsan Islands: cross the bridges into the islands

This is the area where the mountains the city's name points to, the islands floating on the sea, gather together. Some 60 islands are scattered here, each with its own face, so half a day won't come close. Set aside a whole day so you don't miss out.

Time Travel Village: the 1930s were never torn down

An area where the 1930s still stand as they were, within a few alleys of the port. Banks and a customs house, a temple, company houses and even a tunnel were built for exploitation and never torn down, so the whole walk takes you past the red bricks and ink-black roof tiles of that era.

It's called Eunpa because the water sparkles at sunset

Neither the Gogunsan Islands nor the Time Travel Village, this is the spot Gunsan locals visit most often. A big reservoir on the west side of town was turned into a park in its entirety.

Places to visit in Gunsan

Gunsan Modern History Museum

A leading modern-history museum of the Yeongnam and Honam regions that vividly sheds light on the history of Gunsan, once a hub of logistics and distribution, from prehistoric times to the modern era through artifacts and hands-on experiences

Verified by RandomtripOld-school uniform experienceClosed Mondays

Honam Customs Museum

One of Korea's top 3 Western classical buildings, built during the Korean Empire. Its beautiful exterior blends a variety of European styles and vividly tells the story of Gunsan's modern customs history

Verified by RandomtripModern architecture stamp tourClosed Mondays

Chowon Photo Studio

A faithful restoration of the photo studio that was the main setting of the film ‘Christmas in August’, a great spot to make memories against the warm feel of the old days

Verified by RandomtripGyeongam-dong Railroad Village experience

Japanese-Style House in Sinheung-dong, Gunsan

A large house that offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy landowner during the Japanese colonial era, where you can admire both well-preserved architecture and the beauty of a Japanese-style garden

Verified by RandomtripFormer Gunsan Customs House tourClosed Mondays

Daejangbong Peak on Daejangdo Island

A must-shoot photo spot where you can take in the picture-perfect island views of the Gogunsan Islands from the summit of Daejangbong Peak

Verified by RandomtripTrekking course views

Gunsan restaurants & cafés

Gukje Banjeom

A Chinese restaurant famous as a filming location for the movie 'Tazza,' serving outstanding jjamppong with a deep smoky flavor and mul-jjajang

Verified by RandomtripMul-jjajang, jjamppongClosed Tuesdays

Hwanggeum Kodari Gunsan Soryong Branch

A favorite with lake park visitors, where you can enjoy braised kodari in an addictively spicy sauce along with as much cool makgeolli as you like

Verified by RandomtripBraised kodari/makgeolli

Halmaebawi Susan

A sunset spot where you can enjoy hearty seafood ramyeon while listening to the waves right by the sea

Verified by RandomtripSeafood ramyeonClosed Wednesdays

Munyeodo Galmaegi

A spot right by the sea where you can enjoy crispy seafood pajeon

Verified by RandomtripGalmaegi set, boiled cuttlefish, seafood ramyeonClosed Tuesdays

Gunsan 1-night 2-day itinerary

This is the basic itinerary from the Randomtrip city guide. Places with closing days that overlap are noted in the table.

What's new in Gunsan

• 2026 Gunsan Time Travel Festival · 2026.10.02 – 10.05 · Time-travel-themed performances on the modern-era streets

For a more detailed schedule, see This month's festival schedule. For benefits, see the Half-Price Travel roundup.

Stories from travelers who've been

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