Ah, Busan. Most people are familiar with the capital of South Korea (Seoul), but Busan is one of the most stunning cities in the country that often flies under the radar, boasting beautiful ports, coastlines, and a more laidback atmosphere compared to busy Seoul.
Tucked quietly in the steep hillsides of Busan's Saha district lies the Gamcheon Cultural Village which can be recognized by its distinctly bright painted houses. But this village hasn't always been this way.
Gamcheon was originally populated by Korean War refugees who came to seek safety and as a result, built shanties to start a new life and Gamcheon quickly became known as one of the poorest "slum" districts of Busan, South Korea. However, in 2009, the district received funding to rejuvenate its village, enabling local artists to paint the houses vivid colours, create murals on the walls, and transform Gamcheon into a bustling art-filled suburb.
With an exciting, diverse array of artwork interspersed throughout the village today, this has helped to significantly increase tourism and improve the local economy. In a way, you could say art helped to save this village.
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