I took a three day trip to Gunsan to explore some of the surrounding countryside and some of the historic town. I didn’t do all the things I’d planned to do because of weather forecasts that didn’t turn out to be accurate, but I still had fun.
Day 2 of 3-day trip to Gunsan
Did a loooooot today! I should probably split this post up a bit… The next day, Gareth and I got coffee at Hi Hope (하이홉) a place close to our accommodation.
Lee Sung Dang bakery
Our next stop was the (apparently) famous Lee Sung Dang (이성당) bakery for breakfast. This was a large place filled with people grabbing their famous red bean paste buns, probably to take back home as gifts from Gunsan. We sat there for bit before starting our exploration of the town.
Jinpo Maritme Marine Park
We went to the harbour and the Jinpo Maritime Marine Park (진포해양테마공원). It has wartime vehicles on display including a big transport ship with the huge front doors open; impressive. Nearby are a few murals on the buildings. In the same district are other buildings from the era. These are distinct from other areas of the country in that there are no high rise buildings and the streets are very wide; this may have something to do with it port city roots and the amounts of commercial activities back in the day that involved transporting goods.
Modern Architecture Hall
Next was the Modern Architecture Hall (군산근대건축관), a free museum focusing on the changing architecture of Gunsan over the years and it’s Japanese colonial history. It had lots of models of old buildings, informative displays, and an interactive map of the town on the floor you can walk on and activate. It was interesting, more than expected given the name. It’s in an old Bank of Korea building built during the time of the Japanese occupation.
Sinheung-dong Japanese House
After walking east into town a bit more, we found more business then residential buildings of the era. Later on we came across Sinheung-dong Japanese House (신흥동 일본식가옥). This house was unfortunately closed for inside viewing (Covid?) but you could wander around the grounds. Very pretty and well kept.
Dongguksa Temple
Next on our list was Dongguksa Temple (동국사), one of the few remaining Japanese style Buddhist temples in Korea. On the way in the area are also other Japanese colonial era buildings and themed areas. After exploring the temple, my friend left to head back to the bus station and Seoul and I carried on exploring in the afternoon. While walking to the park, I booked a SOCAR to use tomorrow.
Wolmyeong Park
I took a short hike north west to the edge of town and the hills of Wolmyeong Park (월명공원). There were views from the top into the sea and monuments for fallen soldiers. There is a small mountain further west but I skipped that, and instead headed back into town.
Gyeongamdong Railroad Town
I’d heard of an old village that backed fully on to a rail track. I managed to get a bus from the park to Gyeongamdong Railroad Town (경암동철길마을), then spent a short time walking up and down it. Now it consists of stores in the tradition of nostalgic school days toys, food, and costumes. At the far end is a poster with photos of the actual village back in the day with people a stores operating just centimetres from the track, probably moving stuff out the way numerous times a day! A fun detour worthy of an hour, maybe longer if you’re feeling the nostalgi and stay for a snack.
Cafe Teum
I was getting thirsty and wanted to be near the accommodation for a rest. I dropped by a neat coffee shop call Teum (틈) built in a brick warehouse. I had a brownie with my coffee and let my weary legs relax and thought about my next move. I’d booked a SOCAR and drive to the big seawall on the west coast, but I was getting conflicting weather information about snow, so was undecided. I also considered my dinner and entertainment options for the night; find a cinema and eat nearby!
Shinpowoori Mandoo
I took a bus south to Lotte Cinema, bought a ticket then wandered about looking for food. I stopped at Shinpowoori Mandoo (신포우리만두) for some very excellent fried rice and dumplings. Very excellent. I watch Spider-Man: No Way Home which I thoroughly enjoyed. Especially in a virtually deserted cinema! The film title turned out to be appropriate; the busses had stopped after the film finished and there was snow. It took a while but finally got a cab back to my room. In bed, I then ummed and ahd while checking the weather (snow) and decided to cancel the SOCAR I’d booked for tomorrow. I could do that with no penalty fee because it was at least seven hours before the check-out time.
