May is the month that sits happily between spring and summer. When the cool breeze and warm sunlight create perfect harmony, we feel the urge to travel somewhere outside the campus. So, this May, how about traveling to Gunsan, where the remnants of a long history are elegantly blended with the clear, aquamarine ocean view? Perhaps, you might encounter things in the city that will fully enchant and capture your heart!
Gunsan, the Seaport City Filled with History
-Introduction to Gunsan
Gunsan is a modern port city in the North Jeolla Province, with a population of about 260,000. Because of its characteristic of being near the coast, the city is well known for its development of the fishing and logistics industries. Gunsan is also one of the most visited tourist destinations due to its abundant seafood dishes and picturesque shores. Inevitably, it was branded as a cultural and historic tourist city in 2016. In fact, according to Hankook Ilbo, over 5 million tourists visited Gunsan in 2020 alone, which proves its massive popularity. The city is also known for its long history since it was the place of the famous Battle of Jinpo, a marine war that occurred in 1380, where Korean soldiers successfully defeated a Japanese pirate fleet of 500 vessels. Gunsan also holds a painful history, as it used to be a main logistics hub for exploitation during the Japanese Colonial era. As many Japanese people resided in the city during the period, numerous Japanese structures remain till now. Today, Gunsan is a tourist attraction filled with diverse cultures and historical heritage.
-How to Visit Gunsan
Kingos from the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus can take Line 4 at Hyehwa Station, get off at Sinyongsan Station, and then leave from exit 3 to take the Yongsan Station KTX. After arriving at Iksan Station, take bus No.20 at the Iksan Station bus stop and get off at the Tapcheon Bridge. Then, take the bus No.31, get off at the City Hall Intersection, and walk for about four minutes to arrive at the destination. Kingos from the Natural Sciences Campus can take Line 1 at Sungkyunkwan University Station, which goes in the Uiwang Station direction, and get off at Geumcheon-gu Office Station. Next, take the Line 1 train in the Gwangmyeong Station direction and get off there. Finally, take the KTX at Gwangmyeong Station and get off at Iksan Station. From there, the directions are identical.
Walk through the History of Gunsan
-The Joyful Gyeongam-dong Railroad Town
Gyeongam-dong Railroad Town is a small town standing around the 2.5km-long railroad that connects the factory of Paper Corea, a newspaper company, with Gunsan Station. Even though the railroad is no longer operated, it functions as a perfect tourist spot due to its strong nostalgic atmosphere and the funky, colorful artwork throughout the area. One of the best experiences to do in the town is renting vintage school uniforms that past generations must have worn. Walking down the old-fashioned streets dressed as a student back then may make you feel like you are living in the late 50s, which will be an odd yet wonderful experience. Kingos may encounter various retro-style murals and sculptures as strolling around more. Paintings of Maetel, one of the main characters of the old Japanese cartoon series Galaxy Express 999, and a humorous sculpture that demonstrates the classic Korean game, Maldukbakki, will welcome Kingos. Taking pictures with them would be a fun idea! Needless to say, old snacks served at the small stores near the railroad are another thing that must not be missed during the journey back in time. After indulging yourself with a mouthful of chewy, savory Jjondeugi snacks and mouthwatering Dalgona cookies, you might catch yourself with a big, satisfactory smile.
-The Gunsan Modern Culture Street, Where History Lives and Breathes
If Kingos take a bus near the railroad town for only 15 minutes, they will find Gunsan Modern Culture Street. The Gunsan Modern Culture Street feels like an extension of the railroad town because it similarly portrays an aura of the past and present breathing together, as the street has been preserved since the Japanese Colonial Period. To vividly perceive the atmosphere of the past, go to the Gunsan Modern History Museum, where Kingos can learn about the background of marine culture and the modern history of Gunsan and Korea. The museum has three parts: the Marine Distribution History Hall, Heroes of Independence Hall, and Modern Life Hall. If you are a museum lover, grab the integrated ticket, which allows you to visit five museums near the area, including Modern Architecture Hall, Modern Art Museum, and Heritage Museum, with only ₩2,000. Another fascinating site is the Sinheung-dong Japanese House, a luxurious two-story wooden house that once housed a Japanese family and is now open to tourists. Often called the Hirotsu-house, the building was selected as the 183rd National Registered Cultural Heritage to preserve the history of colonization. Due to its unique structure of having a Korean Ondol room on the first floor and a Japanese Tatami room on the second floor, Hirotsu-house has appeared in numerous films such as Tazza: The High Rollers, so the Sungkyun Times recommends you visit!
Love Dive into the History of Gunsan
-Enjoying the Ocean View at Jangja Island
When you are done exploring Gunsan’s history, it will be time to immerse yourself in the exquisite views of Jangja Island. It is a 1.9km long island that lies at the heart of the Gogunsan Archipelago. To visit this beautiful site, Kingos can use the local bus No.99 since Jangja is the farthest island on the Gogunsan Archipelago that Kingos can get to via land. The bus is also popular with tourists due to its two-story structure, allowing them to enjoy the open view of the sea. Moreover, there is a stamp tour called the Go-Gunsan Course, which encourages tourists to travel by granting a stamp when visiting the highlights on the island, such as the Jangja Bridge and the Jangja Sunset Observatory. The most well-known site is the Millennium Tree and the Grandmother Rock of Jangja, which holds a legend of a wife who waited for her husband who left home to take the traditional national exam, Gwageo . Also, since Jangja Island and Seonyu Island are on the same Gogunsan Archipelago, Kingos can use the Jangja Bridge, a skywalk path, to reach Seonyudo lsland, while enjoying a thrilling experience.
-Completing the Journey at the Seonyu Island
As Kingos eventually arrive at Seonyu Island, the sky will be darker, and the sun will set about that time. This is when you have to seize the opportunity to watch the sunset while strolling along the seashore. The scenery of the clear, cobalt ocean soaked with the warm, strawberry color sunset will remain as a memory Kingos will forever cherish. To enjoy the ocean view better, Kingos can also walk along the Okdol Beach pedestrian route placed right above the water that creates a mysterious yet magnificent scenery. Various activity programs at Seonyu Island are also provided to spice up your experience. The most popular program is the foreshore experience at the Gunsan Fishing Village, where visitors can dig out clams that are hidden under the thick mud. Discovering the buried clams and admiring the vast ocean would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additionally, riding the Seonyu Island Sky Sunline — the longest coastal zip line in Korea — and feeling the thrill of flying over the deep blue tides will be a great choice. At the end of the trip, you can visit the restaurant Munyeodo Galmegi near the beach to enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a marvelous vista.
A road that someone has walked on for a lifetime is filled with colorful experiences, valuable friendships, and priceless memories. As you continue to walk down the long path, you may wonder: at the end of the road, will there be a bright future? Travel to Gunsan, where there are antique railroads, historical streets, and a vast azure ocean surrounded by great memories, to discover the answer.