Revitalized fishing village attracts youth with cafe and community spirit

In the coastal town of Gampo, Gyeongju, where the sea is often overlooked by tourists focused on inland historical sites, a remarkable transformation is underway. Once a bustling hub during the Japanese colonial era, Gampo is now a small fishing village of about 5,000 people. A once-neglected back alley, barely wide enough for two people to pass and marked by a long-shuttered bathhouse, has become a vibrant spot. This transformation is thanks to the 'Gazami Village' project, an initiative selected as a youth village by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The project, spearheaded by local content company Makamodi, uses the gazami (flatfish), a local specialty, as a central theme. Makamodi CEO Kim Mina, a Gyeongju native, was inspired by the scenic port and collaborated with local elder Seo Sam-ran, who described Gampo as an "old future" – a place where time seems to have stopped. Seo saw potential in young people creating unexpected change in this seemingly unchanging environment. The initiative has breathed new life into the village, with the revitalized bathhouse, now a cafe named '1925 Gampo,' becoming a weekend destination for visitors nationwide.

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We had to show that residents were supporting the youth.

Crucially, the project's success hinges on strong community support. When acquiring the old bathhouse proved difficult, local elders formed a residents' group called 'Together We Walk.' This group, comprising an kindergarten director, a deep-sea fishing boat owner, and a barley rice restaurant owner, purchased the bathhouse and provided it rent-free to the youth for three years. "We had to show that residents were supporting the youth," Seo explained. This elder-led initiative underscores the vital role of local community backing in fostering youth engagement and revitalizing rural areas, proving that even seemingly overlooked elements can be key to a village's future.

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old future