Discovering the Hidden Gem of Busan: Coffee It House in Gamcheon Culture Village

When you type “Busan” into Google, one of the first images to pop up is the vibrant, colorful cluster of homes in Gamcheon Culture Village. This picturesque village, perched on a steep mountainside, has become a symbol of Busan’s charm, often overshadowing even the city’s famous beaches. While most visitors flock to the village’s well-known photo spots, there’s a hidden gem that offers the best perspective of this artistic haven: Coffee It House.

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Gamcheon Culture Village: A Brief Overview

Gamcheon Culture Village is a stunning testament to urban revitalization. Once a humble neighborhood, it was transformed in 2009 into a vibrant artistic hub, with colorful houses and whimsical art installations scattered across its steep slopes. Before the pandemic, this village attracted over 2 million visitors annually, drawn by its unique charm and Instagram-worthy scenes like the Little Prince figurines, Fish Swimming Through the Alley, and the enchanting Harry Potter stairs.

While most tourists follow the main path, marked by signs and maps leading to these popular spots, there’s a lesser-known route that takes you to a cafe with unparalleled views of the village: Coffee It House.

The Road Less Traveled: Finding Coffee It House

Instead of heading straight into the village, take a detour down Okcheon Road (옥천로). There, you’ll find Coffee It House, a hot pink, two-story cafe perched on the edge of a slope. Its vibrant exterior is hard to miss, yet it remains a hidden treasure, often overlooked by the crowds.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting the cafe’s owner, a warm and fluent English-speaking woman who greeted us with genuine joy. She shared that the cafe opened in late 2018, just before the pandemic hit, and has been slowly regaining its footing since 2020. Her heartfelt gratitude for our visit was so touching that I decided to dedicate an entire blog post to this humble yet charming spot.

A Cafe with a View

Stepping into Coffee It House, I was immediately captivated by the breathtaking view through a large rectangular window on the first floor. The colorful houses cascading down the hill created a mesmerizing backdrop, making it hard to focus on anything else. While I hadn’t set high expectations for the drinks, the vanilla latte my boyfriend ordered for me was surprisingly delicious.

The first floor features an inviting outdoor terrace, adorned with elegant white patio furniture and a vibrant pink wall bearing the cafe’s name. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the view, weather permitting. For those seeking more, the terrace leads to additional seating areas and a rooftop that offers the most magnificent perspective of the village.

The Rooftop: A Hidden Treasure

The rooftop of Coffee It House is where the magic truly happens. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Gamcheon Culture Village and the South Port of Busan. While the village’s Haneul Maru observatory offers stunning vistas, the rooftop of this cafe provides an even grander perspective. It’s also a great spot to rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and capture unforgettable photos.

Why Coffee It House Deserves a Spot on Your Busan Itinerary

In a village filled with Instagram-famous spots, Coffee It House stands out as a quiet retreat with unparalleled views. Its off-the-beaten-path location makes it a perfect escape from the crowds, and the owner’s warmth and hospitality add a personal touch to the experience. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a serene spot to admire Busan’s beauty, this cafe is a must-visit.

So, the next time you find yourself in Gamcheon Culture Village, skip the usual route and head to Coffee It House. Trust me, the views—and the vanilla latte—are worth it.

Have you visited Gamcheon Culture Village or discovered any hidden gems in Busan? Share your experiences in the comments below!

More Pictures Shot at/from Coffee It House:

Access Map:

Quick Info About Coffee It House:

Hours: Everyday 10:00 - 18:30 (18:00 Last Order)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coffee.it.house 
Address: 부산 사하구 옥천로 115 2층 [Naver Map]

Interested in a Tour Package to Gamcheon Cultural Village?

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