Former South Korean slum becomes a colorful cultural hub

The Gamcheon Culture Village, located south of Busan in South Korea, is a former slum transformed into a multi-colored cultural hub. The settlement is characterized by bright houses built along the steep slopes of a mountain.

Historical Development

Construction began in the 1920s and 1930s to relocate low-income residents from the city center. Following the Korean War, the population increased sharply due to an influx of refugees. Over time, temporary shacks were replaced by brick houses.

The combination of steep terrain and dense construction created a labyrinth of narrow alleys climbing upward. At its peak, the village housed up to 30,000 people.

Renovation and Cultural Transition

By the 1990s, poor living conditions led to mass emigration. To prevent the district from falling into decay, local and national authorities launched a renovation project in 2009.

The new concept was developed by artists, urban planners, and remaining residents. The initiative resulted in several key changes:

• Abandoned buildings were restored to house museums and galleries.
• Residential houses were refurbished with bright colors on roofs and walls.
• General infrastructure within the district was updated.

These changes earned Gamcheon the unofficial nickname "Korean Santorini." The once marginalized area now functions as a tourist center hosting cafes, workshops, and shops.

Source: This article was adapted from an original Russian-language publication by Pravda.Ru.