Gunsan Day Trip: Old Port Streets, Japanese-Era Houses and Bakery

Gunsan makes an easy and rewarding day trip from Seoul. Take an express bus from Seoul's Central City Terminal (about two and a half hours), start with a pastry at Lee Sung Dang, often called Korea's oldest bakery, then walk the compact old port district: the Gunsan Modern History Museum, the old customs house, the Japanese-era Hirotsu House and Dongguksa Temple. Finish at the retro Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village before the bus back. Most sights are within walking distance of each other.

Gunsan is a port city on the west coast of North Jeolla Province, at the mouth of the Geum River. In the early 20th century, during the Japanese colonial period, it was a major port used to ship rice from Korea's richest farming region to Japan. Many buildings from that era survived, and the city has turned its old downtown into a walkable "modern history" district. It is a quieter, more thoughtful day out than the usual Seoul sights, and a great match for travelers interested in history, architecture, film locations and bakeries.

Getting to Gunsan from Seoul

By express bus (easiest)

Buses to Gunsan leave frequently from Seoul Central City Terminal (next to Express Bus Terminal Station). The ride takes roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Gunsan's bus terminals are closer to the old town than the train station, so the bus is usually the most practical choice. For how Seoul's bus terminals work and how to book seats, see our express bus guide.

By train

Trains also run from Yongsan to Gunsan Station, but the station is outside the center, so you will need a bus or taxi into the old town. Some travelers combine Gunsan with a KTX ride via Iksan. Check current schedules on the official Korail site before you go, and book the return bus or train in advance on weekends.

Getting around in Gunsan

From the bus terminal, a short taxi ride or a city bus takes you to the old town around Wolmyeong-dong and Sinheung-dong. Once there, walk. The historic area is small, and most of the sights in this guide are 5–15 minutes apart on foot. You will only need another taxi to reach Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village if you do not want to walk the extra distance.

Morning: breakfast at Lee Sung Dang

Lee Sung Dang has been baking in Gunsan since 1945 and is widely described as the oldest bakery still operating in Korea. It is the city's best-known stop, and many Koreans come to Gunsan just to buy its bread.

What to try: the two famous items are the danpatppang (red bean bread) and the yachaeppang (vegetable bread, a soft bun filled with cabbage and vegetables).
Expect a line. The bakery opens early in the morning, and queues form quickly, especially on weekends. Going early is the best way to avoid a long wait.
Buy extra for later. Red bean bread keeps well for the bus ride home, and it makes a good gift.

Late morning: the old port and museums

Gunsan Modern History Museum

Start here to understand the city. The museum explains Gunsan's role as a trading port, the colonial period and how daily life changed, with reconstructed streets and shop fronts inside. Nearby buildings form a small museum cluster that is easy to visit together.

Old Gunsan Customs House and colonial-era banks

The former customs house, a red-brick building from the early 1900s, stands near the waterfront. Close by are former bank buildings from the same era that now serve as exhibition spaces on art and modern history. Together they show how important the port once was, and they make good stops for architecture photos.

"Gunsan feels like walking through a history book where every page has a bakery." — LUMI, POPORO CITY

Afternoon: Japanese-era houses and Dongguksa

Hirotsu House

The Hirotsu House (Sinheung-dong Japanese-style house) is a two-story wooden home built in the 1920s for a wealthy Japanese merchant. It has a traditional Japanese garden and tatami rooms, and it has appeared in several Korean films and dramas. It is one of the best-preserved Japanese-style houses in Korea, so it is a rare chance to see this kind of architecture in the country. Remember that it is a site from a painful period of Korean history; visitors are welcome, but treat it as a historic place.

Dongguksa Temple

Dongguksa is the only remaining Japanese-style Buddhist temple in South Korea, founded during the colonial period. Its main hall, with a steep roof and simple lines, looks very different from typical Korean temples. Behind it is a quiet bamboo grove. The temple is also known for a monument that reflects on the colonial past, so you will see history from more than one side here. It is a short walk uphill from the Hirotsu House area.

Chowon Photo Studio

Film fans may know Gunsan from the classic Korean movie Christmas in August (1998). The small Chowon Photo Studio set from the film is in the old town and is a popular photo spot. It takes only a few minutes, so add it to your walking route if it is nearby.

Late afternoon: Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village

Gyeongam-dong Cheolgil Maeul is a narrow neighborhood where an old freight railway track runs between houses only a few steps apart. Trains no longer run on the line, and the street is now full of retro snack shops, old-school school uniform rentals and small photo spots. It is touristy, but it is fun and very photogenic, especially in the soft late-afternoon light. It is a bit farther from the old port, so take a taxi or allow time to walk.

A sample day

Early morning: express bus from Seoul Central City Terminal.
Mid-morning: Lee Sung Dang for bread.
Late morning: Gunsan Modern History Museum, old customs house and nearby exhibition halls.
Lunch: local seafood or a Chinese-Korean jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), which Gunsan is well known for.
Afternoon: Hirotsu House, Dongguksa Temple and Chowon Photo Studio.
Late afternoon: Gyeongam-dong Railroad Village.
Evening: bus back to Seoul.

If you have an extra day in the region, Gunsan pairs well with Jeonju, about an hour away. Our Seoul to Jeonju day trip guide explains how to visit its hanok village.

Quick tips

Go early: the bakery lines and weekend crowds grow through the day.
Wear comfortable shoes; the day is mostly walking.
Many museums and historic houses close on Mondays or have set hours, so check official sites before you go.
Some sites charge a small admission fee; carry a card and a little cash.
Book your return ticket in advance on weekends and holidays.

FAQ

Is Gunsan worth a day trip from Seoul?

Yes, if you enjoy history, old architecture and food. It is a very different experience from Seoul, and the old town is compact enough to see in one day.

How long does it take to get to Gunsan from Seoul?

About two and a half hours by express bus from Seoul Central City Terminal, depending on traffic. The train is possible too, but the station is farther from the old town.

What should I buy at Lee Sung Dang?

The red bean bread and the vegetable bread are the classic choices. Go early to avoid the longest lines.

Why are there Japanese-style buildings in Gunsan?

Gunsan was a major port during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), and many Japanese merchants lived there. Some of their houses, banks and a temple survive and are now preserved as part of the city's modern history district.

Can I combine Gunsan with another city?

Jeonju is the most common pairing, since it is close by. With an overnight stay, you can see both comfortably.