Gunsan: History between port, railway and city

Discover Gunsan through its port, railway and urban history. Museums, historic buildings and traces of a former railway line offer different insights into the town’s development. Regional cuisine is another way to get to know Gunsan. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth looking at both the historic sites and the local food culture.

Port history and museums

The Gunsan Modern History Museum is a regional museum focusing on Gunsan’s modern and maritime culture. Finds and materials trace the story from prehistory to modern times. The museum explores Gunsan’s past as an international trading port as well as its present and future. Its broad time span makes it a useful reference point for understanding the different eras of the city’s history.

Buildings also tell stories of Gunsan’s past. The Gunsan Modern Architecture Hall was built as a financial building in 1923 and designed by Nakamura Yoshihei (中村與資平). The former Gunsan branch building of Japan’s 18th Bank is now used as the Gunsan Modern Art Museum. Both places draw attention to historic architecture, while the Modern History Museum focuses more on maritime and social development.

Another way to explore history is through film: the city of Gunsan restored the Chowon Photo Studio after filming was completed. Cameras, fans and albums featured in the film “Christmas in August” are on display there. In Gunsan, different ways of remembering coexist—from the history of the city and its buildings to objects from a film.

The Jinpo Marine Theme Park commemorates the Battle of Jinpo. It displays 16 decommissioned pieces of equipment from 13 types used by the army, navy and air force. The park serves as a place for hands-on learning for children. Its combination of remembrance and military equipment makes it a distinct historical attraction among Gunsan’s places to visit.

Historic routes and railway traces

The 7.5-kilometer Gubul-gil 6-1 walking trail, also known as the Takryu Course, runs through Gunsan’s historic downtown and reveals traces of the Japanese colonial period. Its length gives you a concrete reference point for planning a walk; no walking time is specified. The Haemangul Tunnel connects Haemang-dong with downtown Gunsan. It was completed as part of the third port construction project, which began in 1926. Cars are not allowed in the tunnel; only pedestrians may pass through. Before visiting, check whether this access restriction is still in effect.

Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village also links historic infrastructure with a distinctive theme. The name refers to the neighborhood along a 2.5-kilometer railway line, completed in 1944, that connected the Paper Korea factory with Gunsan Station. Its retro-inspired concept features dalgona from “Squid Game,” nostalgic snacks and toys, as well as experiences wearing school uniforms. History and today’s themed presentation offer two different perspectives on the same place.

Regional cuisine in Gunsan

At Gunsan Jjamppong Street, you can try jjamppong: a spicy seafood noodle soup developed by the Chinese diaspora in Gunsan. As individual restaurants and menus may change, if you have a specific plan, it is worth checking the current offerings. Leesungdang is considered Korea’s oldest bakery. Together, these food-related attractions show two different sides of local cuisine: a noodle dish with a history and the special status attributed to a bakery.

Discover more destinations: Gochang, Wanju, Iksan-si, Namwon, Jeongeup-si, Jangsu-gun, Muju, Jeonju

View the regional travel overview: Jeollabuk-Do.