5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Gapyeong

You’ll find Gapyeong pine nut market town conveniently located in the city centre. It’s just a short walk from Gapyeong-gun Nonghyup bus stop and close to the Gapyeong Rail Park. You’ll love strolling through this vibrant outdoor market. Browse the dozens of stalls under brightly coloured awnings and you’ll see vendors displaying everything from baked goods and homegrown vegetables to artisanal jewellery and handbags.

Head to the green food train where each little carriage serves different dishes. Pine nuts are a local speciality and foodies will love trying the decadent pine nut and walnut cookies which melt in your mouth. Be sure to try the pine nut makgeolli alcoholic drink, too. It’s very popular and best served chilled.

Chuncheon Market is an Aladdin’s cave of stalls selling an array of household goods, clothing and street food. If you love browsing unique items and taking your time to stroll from stall to stall, this is an excellent choice. Venture down the narrow alleyway into this covered arcade and find original souvenirs of Gapyeong as well as traditional Korean hanbok clothing in a rainbow of colours.

This popular shopping venue used to be known as Jungang Market, and the Jungang Market bus stop is just opposite the entrance to the arcade. It’s also known for its delicious spicy, stir-fried chicken called dakgalbi, so why not rest your feet after shopping and enjoy a relaxing and authentic Korean meal?

Nami Shop is just as famous for its beautiful architecture as it is for its fantastic range of gifts and souvenirs. Snap Instagram-worthy photos of the stunning building, which was designed in the style of a traditional hanok house, set against a backdrop of trees and greenery. Inside, you’ll find pristine displays of handmade crafts and artisanal products.

Admire the delicate glass ornaments engraved with peacocks and other symbols of Nami Island. Shop for hand-crafted ceramics and leather goods, next to miniature wooden items and paper goods. Don’t forget to snap up one of the island’s iconic snowman toys. These handmade snowmen, with their colourful hats and scarves, are a firm favourite with kids and adults alike.

The Garden of Morning Calm is a haven of tranquillity located around 20 km from Gapyeong. There’s a large car park, if you’re looking to arrive by car for some serious shopping, or you can take the bus to the Arboretum stop if you prefer to use public transport.

Discover immaculate boutiques that reflect the park’s natural, serene environment. Browse aromatic soaps, candles and body lotions in the Herb Shop. Then head to the Pond Garden to find the Green Store and unique gardening-themed gifts, such as hand-painted plant pots. Why not enjoy a quiet moment in the cafe after shopping? Soak up the peaceful vibes of this natural beauty spot as you indulge in coffee and cake.

The quirky and picturesque Petite France will delight antique lovers. Walk along the streets of the lively flea market in this cultural village and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re browsing antiques in southern France. Discover stalls full of vintage European objects set against a backdrop of pastel-coloured houses, where you can buy antique jewellery, crockery and decorative pieces.

A large part of this village is dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s iconic book, Le Petit Prince, and kids will love the themed souvenirs in the gift shops. Plan to spend a few hours in Petite France as you can also visit the little museums and galleries, as well as the puppet show, once you’ve finished your shopping.