Gapyeong is a popular destination in South Korea because it’s easily accessible from Seoul (which makes it a popular day trip as well!) and because it’s home to some very unique attractions! These are all of the best things to do on your trip to Gapyeong, South Korea including the popular Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm!
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Things to Do in Gapyeong
NAMI ISLAND
Nami Island is a small island (in the shape of a half-moon!) that is filled with gorgeous metasequoia-lined walking paths, wild peacocks, and even popular movie filming locations! It can easily be done as a day trip from Seoul but it makes a pretty popular weekend trip as well. Nami Island is by far the main attraction in Gapyeong.
Your trip to Nami Island will begin with you purchasing an entry “visa” (not an actual visa, just an entrance ticket, don’t worry), and then passing through “immigration” (past the ticket counter).
There are two ways to make it over to Nami Island:
- By Ferry: The ferry to Nami Island takes about 5 minutes and costs 13,000 KRW (around 11 USD). This includes a return ride and the entrance fee. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes from 7:30-9am and every 10-20 minutes after that.
- On a Zipline: The more exciting option would be to take the zipline which costs 45,000 KRW (about 38 USD). This includes the entrance fee and a ride back on the ferry. The zipline takes you from the top of a tower (next to the ticket booth) across the water to the island.
Tickets for Nami Island can be purchased ahead of time by clicking here.
Popular Things to Do on Nami Island:
- Look for the different animals on the island – ostriches, peacocks, koi fish, and more!
- Rent a bicycle (you can even get a tandem bike!) and ride around the island
- Walk among the Metasequoias and marvel at their beauty
- Climb along the treetops in the ‘Treetop Experience’ area
- Rent a small paddle boat and spend some time out on the river
- Enjoy the cherry blossoms if you visit in the spring
GAPYEONG RAIL PARK
The Gapyeong Rail Park was so much fun! It’s right down the road from Nami Island so it’s the perfect next stop on your trip to Gapyeong. Tickets for the Rail Park cost 30,000 KRW (about 25 USD) for a 2-person bike. And, don’t worry – you don’t have to pedal the whole time! The bike takes over automatically after a while!
Once you make it to the end of the track, everyone gets out of their bike and heads over to the food court area where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and even photos taken of you during your ride on the track! After about a 5-10 minute break, you get on your bike and head back towards the beginning.
GARDEN OF MORNING CALM
The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul especially in the winter. Every holiday season, the entire park is decorated with gorgeous lights and hosts the annual lighting festival – it’s a must-see! Garden of Morning Calm is a huge botanical garden which has more than 20 different sections, all with their own theme. It’s a very popular spot for picnics especially in the spring!
At the entrance of the park, you’ll find many different shops and cafes; it’s a great spot to try some local Korean street foods! The prices are fairly cheap and the foods are always great. If you visit in the summer I highly recommend stopping for some blueberry ice cream on the way in!
PETITE FRANCE
Petite France is one of the most colorful villages I’ve ever seen. It’s a little piece of France, right here in South Korea! It has a bit of a fairytale theme; some of the buildings are even set up as fairytale characters’ homes on the inside. Petite France is another place that is home to a few different Korean drama filming sites which makes it a very popular spot for K-drama fans.
Needless to say, Petite France is a great spot for photos. You’ll likely see couples in their matching outfits setting up tripods for photos all over the place! The village itself isn’t very big but there are a few different walking trails and tons of mini museum-like setups that you could easily spend an hour or two exploring.
I’ve heard many people say that they would’ve gladly skipped Petite France as they didn’t think it was really worth it, but I disagree. I’ll admit that the admission price (10,000 KRW) was a bit high for what you get but I still feel that Petite France is a must-see!
Other Things to Do in Gapyeong
- Dakgalbi Street
- Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park
- Gangchon Rail Park
- Bungee Jumping / Zip Lining
What are some of your favorite things to do in Gapyeong? Share in a comment below!
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Honestly your photos are always stunning!!! I love them! This looks so amazing – I can’t wait to visit South Korea ASAP!
Author
Aww thank you so much Emma! I hope you love it whenever you get a chance to go 😁