Gunsan Itinerary 2026: Best Car-Free Walking Route
Explore Gunsan without a car! This walkable 2026 itinerary covers historic Japanese houses, retro film sites, and hidden hillside villages entirely on foot.
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Explore Gunsan without a car! This walkable 2026 itinerary covers historic Japanese houses, retro film sites, and hidden hillside villages entirely on foot.
No Car? No Problem!
The Ultimate 2-Day Gunsan Walking Itinerary
If you are planning a trip to Gunsan, leave your car keys behind. This charming port city is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, with major historic sites like the Gunsan Modern History Museum, local art galleries, and architectural landmarks all clustered within comfortable walking distance of each other.
On my recent 2-day car-free getaway, I explored the heart of the city's historic district. Here is my honest review of four must-visit spots: Chowon Photo Studio, More and More gift shop, the historic Hirotsu House, and the colorful Malaeng-i Village.
Chowon Photo Studio
As the primary filming location for the legendary 1998 Korean romantic drama Christmas in August, Chowon Photo Studio is an absolute staple for anyone visiting Gunsan.
Interestingly, this wasn't an actual photo studio originally. The crew converted an old garage into a set for the movie. Although it was dismantled after filming wrapped, the city of Gunsan later reconstructed it to preserve this nostalgic piece of cinematic history for travelers.
It gets quite busy with tourists in the afternoon. It is heartwarming to see that even after nearly three decades, so many people still cherish the memories of this classic film.
Inside, you'll find framed movie stills and retro cameras on display. The surrounding neighborhood is also packed with trendy cafes and cozy restaurants, making it the perfect starting point for your walking tour.
More and More (Mementos & Design Shop)
Located just a quick 4-minute walk (less than 0.2 miles) from Chowon Photo Studio, right on the corner across from Hirotsu House, is a delightful boutique called More and More.
While the shop space is intimate, it is curated so beautifully that you could easily spend half an hour admiring all the details.
Every shelf, wall, and corner is packed with quirky, unique items that reflect the owner's impeccable taste.
What caught my eye the most were the postcards and film-style bookmarks. Most of the postcards feature original photography capturing Gunsan's quiet alleys, warm daily life, and historic landscapes.
They make the perfect, thoughtful souvenir to remember your trip or to send to friends back home.
They also have an adorable selection of keyrings.
I couldn't resist picking up a lucky four-leaf clover and a retro Monchhichi keyring.
If you spend over ~$13 in cash, you get to try your hand at their vintage capsule toy machine!
I pulled a 4th-place prize and walked away with a beautiful bookmark.
If you're looking for the trendiest, most aesthetic gift shop in Gunsan, this is definitely the spot.
Shinheung-dong Japanese-Style House (Hirotsu House)
As soon as you step out of More and More, the historic Hirotsu House is right in front of you.
This two-story traditional Japanese wooden villa was built during the Japanese colonial period by Keisaburo Hirotsu, a wealthy fabric merchant. It is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of colonial-era "Jeoksan-gaok" (enemy-owned houses left behind after WWII) in Gunsan.
During the colonial era, the Shinheung-dong neighborhood served as an affluent residential area for wealthy Japanese settlers.
Unlike many other structures that were altered over time, Hirotsu House retains its original roof, exterior walls, wooden framework, and traditional Japanese garden. Because of its historical value, it has been designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage site.
To protect the aging wooden structure from wear and tear, indoor access is currently restricted. Visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful gardens and view the architecture from the outside.
While I would have loved to peek inside, walking through the tranquil, shaded garden was a peaceful and reflective experience in itself.
If you walk around to the back of the estate, you will find the entrance to Malaeng-i Village.
Malaeng-i Village
The word "Malaeng-i" is a regional Jeolla dialect term meaning "hillside." True to its name, this village consists of small, charming houses clustered tightly along a steep slope.
Because of the elevation, you get a beautiful, unobstructed view of the entire neighborhood below.
However, be prepared for a workout! The climb up the narrow alleys is no joke—make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, or your knees might regret it!
At the top, you will find the Memory Exhibition Hall. This retro space lovingly recreates the everyday street scenes and home life of Korea during the 1970s and 1980s.
Divided into two clean, organized exhibition halls, it features everything from old-school arcade cabinets to a cozy vintage comic book room, perfectly preserving the nostalgic charm of a bygone era.
Wrapping Up Your Walking Tour
Chowon Photo Studio → More and More → Hirotsu House → Malaeng-i Village
The actual walking time between these four locations is only about 10 to 15 minutes because they are located so close together (all within a 0.5-mile radius). However, once you factor in browsing the boutique shop, taking photos, and exploring the hillside village, you should budget at least 2 hours to enjoy this route comfortably.
I hope this walking guide helps you plan your car-free adventure in Gunsan!
📍 Chowon Photo Studio
1F, 12-1 Guyeong 2-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
📍 More and More
24-1 Guyeong 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
📍 Shinheung-dong Japanese-Style House (Hirotsu House)
Shinheung-dong, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
📍 Malaeng-i Village
34-5 Shinheung-dong, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
Originally, it was a garage, not a photo studio, but it was remodeled into a set for the movie filming. It was demolished after filming ended, but Gunsan City restored it to its current appearance for tourists.
If you pay ~$13 or more in cash, you can participate in a lucky draw event once. The author of the article won 4th place in this draw and received a bookmark.
To prevent damage to the wooden building, entry inside is strictly restricted. Therefore, you can only view the exterior of the building and the Japanese garden.
The walking time between locations is about 10 to 15 minutes, as the attractions are clustered close together. Including taking photos and looking around the prop shops, it takes about 2 hours in total.
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