For some people, Nonsan is a non-touristy city that can be considered as countryside. But in reality, it has plenty of hidden gems. And one of these, is Ganggyeong Gurakbu. A western-style modern street that opened not so long ago. Which could be the starting point to learn about all of these unknown places that represent the city! Especially since it is at the heart of the historic village of Ganggyeong!
Without further ado, let us show you how interesting this place is!
The Representative Theme of Nonsanโs Tourism
Have you ever heard about Nonsan Sunshine Land? Well, it is basically a theme park located in Nonsan. Which portrays the life of the 1950s through its amazing photo studios. Of course, this place rapidly became a hot spot after some famous k-dramas were shot there. So following that strategy, the city of Nonsan has founded another western-style area! To turn this theme into the representative of the city.
By investing 4 billion won in this project, they hope for it to become a filming set for movies and dramas just like Sunshine Studio. Although it is much more smaller, of course. Since it only consists of 5 modern western-style buildings (2 restaurants, 2 hotels and 1 cafe).
Besides being a perfect area for filming, it is also an entertainment facility. Where people can gather and do various recreational activities.
At the time I went, a group of people were practicing musical instruments. No wonder it is called Ganggyeong Gurakbu (Club)!
With that in mind, I would definitely recommend you to come during the morning. Since it gets full of people very fast! As it is the meeting point of everyone who lives in the neighborhood. In my case, I arrived at 10 AM. But after 12 PM, there were already tons of visitors enjoying their day!
Now let us take a look to the facilities!
Facilities
Stay Interview (Western-Style Hotel)
There is two hotels in Ganggyeong Gurakbu. The first one is a retro two-story hotel. With a modern western concept. And just like it looks on the outside, the interior design is also beautiful and neat! You would definitely feel as if you were either in Europe or in the U.S. If it was not because the Hangul on the signboard.
As expected, this building is the most popular for pictures. After I took mine, I saw how other visitors were looking for the perfect angle to take their own.
To check the prices or book, you can click >> here <<
Stay Interview (Japanese-Style Hotel)
Next, you can find this Japanese-style hotel. Which stands out due to its Tatami rooms. Where you can feel as if you were visiting Ganggyeong during the enlightenment period.
From what I saw, it seems that this hotel attracts the most visitors. As I could see how a lot of people would enter and come out non stop.
It is not surprising when you take in consideration that Ganggyeong is in fact a historic village. So what is better than to make your experience complete by staying in a hotel that reminds you of the past?
So if you are planning a trip to Nonsan, I would definitely recommend you to stay in any of these hotels. Since as I already gave the hint, these are located amid the historic attractions of the city. This was actually my starting point to visit each of these destinations. By foot!
You can book >> here <<
Japanese Restaurant
Unfortunately, the Japanese Restaurant is still under construction. So you are only allowed to take pictures from the outside.
It is not sure when it will open. But at least during vacation period, they allow visitors to stay inside as the construction is on hold.
Interview Western-Style Restaurant
This place seemed to be also closed the day I went. So I could not see what do they actually sell. However, by its name I can deduct that they sell western desserts.
But I could tell that it is quite popular! Since I would see people coming to check if it was open every 5 seconds. And some other, just came to take a picture in front of it.
Stay Interview Cafe
What seems to be the highlight of this place is this cafe! As they had a lot of customers. And no wonder why, it is beautiful from the outside so as on the inside. Anyone would think that the customers are just guests of the hotels. But no! I kept seeing outsiders come just because of this cafe.
It was actually the first place that caught my attention as soon as I reached Ganggyeong Gurakbu. Since it looks very antique and fancy!
In case you want to know more about this cafe, I recommend you to read the next article we have prepared for you!
Stay Interview Coffeehouse: A Modern Cafe in a Historic Town
The Perfect Photo Zone
Any corner of Ganggyeong Gurakbu can be considered a photo zone! Because the beauty of the antique buildings is a great backdrop for your photos.
So do not be shy to take some! It can be intimidating at first if you do not see people taking pictures before you. But believe me, they are all just waiting to grab some courage and start posing! Because as soon as I stood up and started taking photos, some other people started to do so as well.
Ganggyeong Modern History Museum
Next to the cafe, you will see another building. Well, this is the Ganggyeong Modern History Museum. And to enter, you just need to get out of the Ganggyeong Gurakbu area and you will see the entrance next to the parking lot!
You can read more about this place on the next article!
Ganggyeong Modern History Museum: Learn About the Past
And this is how the parking lot looks like!
Location
Address: 16-9 Jungang-ri, Ganggyeong-eup, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
How to get there
From Nonsan Station, you can take bus no. 101. And wait for 19 stops. To then get off at โ์ค์์ด๋ฑํ๊ตโ. From there I would advise you to use a map. It is actually only 9 minutes away on foot, but can be confusing as it is a neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Ganggyeong Gurakbu is the perfect location to stay if you plan to travel around Nonsan. Since its location is amid the historic gems of the city!
I was very surprised to know the fact that this is the actual representative theme of Nonsan. So with that in mind, your trip will not be complete unless you visit all these spots that follow it.
Have you been to Ganggyeong Gurakbu? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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