Photo: Lee Ha-yeong, 6th Batch of GoBoogi Creators

 

In the heart of downtown Busan lies a unique space that holds traces of the city’s history. Jwacheon Cave is located just a short walk from Jwacheon Station.
As you walk through the ordinary alleys nearby and enter the cave, an unusual scene unfolds—one rarely encountered in the heart of a city.
Jwacheon Cave is believed to be an artificial air-raid shelter built during the Pacific War.

Created during wartime, the space was later also used as living quarters by refugees. At one point, it was also used as a tavern called “Dongguljip (Cave House).” The tavern served agujjim (spicy braised monkfish), pajeon (scallion pancakes), and makgeolli (rice wine). It was a popular spot because the cool air inside the cave made it a refreshing place to escape the summer heat while offering shelter from the cold in winter.

Today, Jwacheon Cave serves as a cultural asset for the Jwacheon-dong community and has reopened as a cultural space where visitors can experience traces of the past. As you slowly make your way through the dark cave and take in what remains of the space, you may feel as though you are encountering Busan’s history firsthand—an experience that goes far beyond a typical tourist visit.
If you would rather explore Busan’s alleyways and uncover the city’s lesser-known history than visit its more famous tourist attractions, make your way to Jwacheon Cave and discover a piece of the past tucked away in the heart of the city.

Q&A

Q. Can you recommend some nearby attractions in Busan to visit while I’m at Jwacheon Cave?

If you visit Jwacheon Cave, consider exploring some of the nearby cafés, cultural spaces, and an observation deck as well. You can take a break at Café 4 Years Apart, learn about the history of Busan’s port opening at the General An Yong-bok Memorial Busanpo Opening Cultural Center, and enjoy views of downtown Busan from the Donggu Library’s Chaengmaru Observatory.