The Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, which used to be a shanty town for refugees after the Korean War, has become a tourist attraction after many years of restoration. (Busan Metropolitan Government)
By Lee Kyoung Mi and Kim Young Shin
Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village has won the “International Award UCLG – Mexico City – Culture 21” award, an international award given to cities or individuals that contribute to culture and sustainability.
The Gamcheon Culture Village has been gentrified, changing from a deprived neighborhood into an area where life and the arts thrive, all while preserving its history, environment and the traditions of the neighborhood's original residents. The must-visit site in Busan has been re-born through the joint efforts of the city government and various non-government organizations.
The organizer of the international award, the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) organization, is an international body for cities, local and regional governments and municipal associations.
The “International Award UCLG – Mexico City – Culture 21” award recognizes local cultural policies that are democratic, sustainable and highly affiliated with the citizens.
Korea.net Honorary Reporters snap some selfies with the Gamcheon Culture Village as background in October 2016. (Korea.net DB)
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