Gapyeong is the place to go if you want to spend a day in the refreshing nature. Gapyeong, which is only an hour by public transportation from Seoul, is surrounded by stunning natural scenery in every direction. It is also a popular filming location for Korean dramas. Don't miss out on the local delicacies like Dakgalbi (spicy grilled chicken) and Makguksu (buckwheat noodles).
A romantic city
What kind of city is Gapyeong?
Gapyeong is a romantic tourist destination with dazzling natural beauty and exotic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers in spring, autumn foliage in autumn, and water activities and camping in summer thanks to the stunning natural environment. It is a city near Seoul that is also popular with locals. A small French-themed park, for example, creates a European exotic atmosphere and is frequently used as a filming location for many TV series.
Recommended 1-day itinerary in Gapyeong
Savoring scenic bliss: A visual and culinary retreat
Start your journey by riding a rail bike from Gapyeong Station. Take a zipline to Nami Island and explore the island, then head to the exotic Petite France for some Instagram-worthy shots. Finish your day by indulging in the iconic Gapyeong dishes, Makguksu, and Dakgalbi. Finish your day by relaxing in nature.
Travel tips for Gapyeong
Taxis are preferable to buses when traveling to Gapyeong because buses arrive infrequently. Alternatively, you can take one of Gapyeong County's shuttle buses.
Recommended Places in Gapyeong
Fairytale Village
Nami Island
Nami Island, also known as the Republic of Naminara, is a fantasy land based on fairy tales and songs. The natural landscape is stunning in all seasons, but it is especially well-known for its stunning autumn scenery, which has made it a popular filming location for the TV series Winter Sonata. Nami Island can be reached by boat or zip line.
Nami Island transportation tips
A paid shuttle bus service connects Seoul and Nami Island.
Reference: instagram.com/p/Ckjy3AUhMVj/
Reference: instagram.com/p/CjubCLfh1Oo/
French-themed park
Petite France
Petite France, a French-themed amusement park, has been featured in several Korean TV series and variety shows, including "My Love from the Star," "Secret Garden," and "Running Man," because of its year-round beauty. The signature events in Petite France are the concerts of music boxes from the 18th to the 20th centuries, which are held five times a day at the Orgel House.
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main&l_code=¶midx=TL0000068&page=10&pageBlock=3
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main&l_code=¶midx=TL0000068&page=10&pageBlock=3
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main&l_code=¶midx=TL0000068&page=10&pageBlock=3
The beauty of Korean gardens
Garden of Morning Calm
Garden of Morning Calm is an arboretum consisting of gardens presenting Korea’s beauty. Twenty gardens each have their own distinct theme, the most popular of which is Hakyung Garden, which was inspired by Korea's stunning mountains and rivers. Several Korean dramas have featured the garden, including "Love in the Moonlight" and "You're Beautiful.”
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main¶midx=TL0000086
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main¶midx=TL0000086
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main¶midx=TL0000086
Different ways to enjoy Gapyeong
Gapyeong Rail Bike
Gapyeong Rail Bike is an activity in which you ride a rail bike from Gapyeong Station, across the Bukhangang River, to Gyeonggang Station, and back to Gapyeong Station. You can enjoy the changing scenery of the zelkova tree tunnel, which transforms with each season, as well as the thrill of passing through a 30 m-high iron bridge while riding the rail bike.
Reference: railpark.co.kr/rail/rail3_01.php
Reference: railpark.co.kr/rail/rail3_01.php
Great places for camping
Jarasum Island
Jarasum Island is comprised of three main islands (Seodo, Jungdo, and Namdo) as well as two subsidiary islands. Seodo has first-rate camping facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool and a camping area. Jungdo is well-known for its photo opportunities as well as event facilities that are frequently used for festivals. Namdo is designed for relaxing walks.
Reference: shutterstock.com
Reference: gptour.go.kr/tour/tour_view.jsp?menu=tour&submenu=main¶midx=TL0000133
European-type garden
Jade Garden
Jade Garden is an arboretum that boasts 26 themed gardens, including an Italian Wedding Garden and a Field of Everlasting Flowers, showcasing over 4,000 different species of trees and plants. Preserving the natural landscape of a valley, Jade Garden creates a truly European-style garden that exudes an exotic atmosphere. It is a popular location for photo shoots, music videos, films, and drama productions. Among the notable works shot there are "That Winter, the Wind Blows" and a music video by "TWICE.”
Reference: instagram.com/p/Ch8zhoTB7oL/
Reference: instagram.com/p/Ch8zhoTB7oL/
Reference: instagram.com/p/Ch8zhoTB7oL/
Artificial lake on a mountain
Homyeong Lake Park
Homyeong Lake is Korea's first reservoir, located on top of a mountain with stunning views. It is well-known for its resemblance to the heavenly Lake Cheonji on Baekdusan Mountain, and it is a 50-minute hike from Homyeong Lake Park. The mountains and lakes are beautiful, but it's also fun to look at the wildflowers and mushrooms that bloom throughout the area. The lake is only open from April to the end of November when it freezes.
Reference: visitkorea.or.kr
Reference: visitkorea.or.kr
Reference: visitkorea.or.kr
Recommended restaurants in Gapyeong
Chilo Sutbul Dakgalbi main branch
It is the birthplace of cheese fondue Dakgalbi, as well as a well-known restaurant for charcoal-grilled Dakgalbi. The hand-pulled buckwheat noodles are a must-order item that should be paired with the Dakgalbi here.
Nami Island Wellbeing Dakgalbi
Famous for its sizzling grilled marinated chicken, this restaurant serves Chuncheon-style Dakgalbi. The fried rice cooked in the remaining sauce is the star of this griddle Dakgalbi.
Songwon Makguksu
Songwon Makguksu, with its unique soy-based seasoning sauce, is a must-visit for tasty and simple Makguksu. This Makguksu restaurant has a high turnover rate despite having only one item on the menu.
Donggigan
This restaurant, located in the heart of the forest, serves delicious clear chicken soup and Dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised chicken). Potato pancakes and acorn jelly are two of the restaurant's most popular side dishes.
- 75 Dakgalbi main branchRestaurantSeoul(Nami Island)
- Namiseom Wellbeing DakgalbiRestaurantSeoul(Nami Island)
- Songwon MakguksuRestaurantSeoul(Nami Island)
- DonggiganRestaurantSeoul(Nami Island)