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.