10 Best Things to Do in Gapyeong
What is Gapyeong Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Gapyeong include visiting a tranquil island, discovering Korean music and exploring quaint European-style villages. Daredevils can go ziplining and families can enjoy a fun ride on a rail bike. If you’re a fan of culinary adventures, you’ll love trying the Korean barbecue and Swiss fondue experiences, too.
Gapyeong is known for its spectacular nature, and you’ll see locals making the most of the outdoors, taking in the fresh air and amazing scenery in all seasons. You’ll find hiking trails across mountain paths, and you can snap stunning photos of flowers and foliage in a beautiful arboretum. Discover magnificent landscapes all over this region.
What are the best things to do in Gapyeong?
1. Garden of the Morning Calm
A peaceful beauty spot
Good for: Photo, Shoppers
As its name suggests, The Garden of Morning Calm is a serene place to discover the beauty of nature. Stroll through this tranquil arboretum and be awestruck by the amazing landscapes and vibrant colours. The park impresses visitors year-round, and there’s a busy events calendar.
In summer, admire vivid green foliage and the vibrant hues of lilies and roses that line the pathways, then visit the colourful Hydrangea Festival. In winter, you’ll discover a blanket of crisp, white snow covering the gardens. Wrap up and enjoy the Lighting Festival, when the park comes alive with dazzling illuminations. Be sure to check out the pretty boutiques in the arboretum too. The artisanal candles and perfumes are extremely popular.
Location: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm
Phone: +82 (0)1-544-6703
Garden of the Morning Calm
2. Nami Island
Spectacular scenery on this river island
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Nami Island is a picturesque oasis of tranquillity and calm. Take a short ferry ride from Nami Island Wharf, then rent bikes once you arrive on the island to discover all its beauty. Enjoy a romantic date strolling along paths lined with pine trees and taking stunning photos of the water fountains. It’s a great place for families to explore nature too. Kids will love the magnificent peacocks and cheeky ostriches they meet.
It’s easy to see why the island is popular as a filming location. Its colourful foliage changes dramatically with the seasons. If you’re looking for adventure, why not arrive on the island by zip wire? It’s an unforgettable experience and the return ferry is free for zipliners.
Location: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm
Phone: +82 (0)31-580-8114
Nami Island
3. Gapyeong Rail Park
Biking fun for all the family
Good for: Families, Photo
Gapyeong Rail Park is a wonderful choice for families to enjoy a fun outdoor activity together. Hire a rail bike and follow an 8-km circuit, taking in the amazing scenery to Gyeonggang Rail Park and back. Kids will love pedalling across the lofty Bukhan River Railway Bridge and seeing the water below. The rail bikes are motorised, so they’ll continue to move when little legs get tired of pedalling.
At the halfway point, enjoy a refreshing drink at the cafe before returning to Gapyeong. Pass through vivid green forests and wind along meandering tracks set against a backdrop of towering hills. Be sure to reserve online before visiting as there are limited departure slots.
Location: 14, Jangteo-gil, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Open: March–October: daily from 9 am to 5 pm. November–February: daily from 9 am to 3.30 pm
Phone: +82 (0)31-582-7788
Gapyeong Rail Park
4. Petite France and Italian Village
A quaint piece of Europe
Good for: Families, Photo
Head to Petite France and Italian Village if you love European-inspired architecture and fairy tales. This charming theme park is divided into 2 areas. Climb to the upper part of the village and discover colourful Tuscan-style buildings and exhibits dedicated to Pinocchio and Leonardo da Vinci. Then stroll down to the French-themed streets and browse Le Petit Prince galleries.
You’ll delight in the stalls brimming with antiques, and kids will adore the puppet shows and having their photo taken with Le Petit Prince figurines and a replica Eiffel Tower. It’s easy to visit by bus, so check the website before visiting for a useful schedule. You’ll also find details of the village’s regular events, including the popular Venice Mask Festival.
Location: 1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm
Phone: +82 (0)31-584-8200
Petite France and Italian Village
5. Yongchu Valley
A stunning nature reserve
Good for: Photo, Couples, Budget
Hiking enthusiasts should visit the Yongchu Valley and discover its spectacular scenery as you trek along meandering trails through lush, dense forests. Enjoy a paddle or even a refreshing swim in the beautiful, clear water running through the white rocks. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the 9-km trail over the suspension bridge, up Yonchu Hill and past Bibong Spring is highly recommended and you’ll be rewarded with splendid views.
You’ll get fantastic photos of Mount Yeoninsan towering over the valley as you follow the forest trails through the nature reserve. Soak up the tranquillity and listen to the birdsong as you hike. Parking is limited in the valley area, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Location: Seungan-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)31-580-9900
Yongchu Valley
6. Kalbongsan Natural Recreation Forest
Hiking, ziplining and barbecues
Good for: Photo, Adventure, Couples
Kalbongsan Natural Recreation Forest is a wonderful combination of serene nature and action-packed adventure. Enjoy a peaceful hike through a forest of fragrant pine trees and discover stunning waterfalls or test your daredevil skills and take a zipline tour from nearby Kalbong Mountain. The circuit is split over 7 courses, whizzing you over mountains for thrilling rides with sensational views.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, why not rent a wooden cabin in the forest? Take in a spectacular sunset view as you grill food on your private terrace. Don’t forget to bring some supplies with you though. Charcoal is provided for grilling, but the nearest food shops are over 6 km away, so it’s best to come prepared.
Location: 454, Gyeongbanan-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)31-8078-8062
Kalbongsan Natural Recreation Forest
7. Yeoninsan Provincial Park
For outdoor enthusiasts
Good for: Photo, Budget
Visit Yeoninsan Provincial Park for stunning nature and you’ll find different levels of hiking trails throughout the park. They all boast incredible views of Mount Yeoninsan, towering 1,000 metres above sea level. Gaze at the clusters of pine and oak trees that give a vivid green backdrop to your walk, along with many species of mountain plants and wildflowers.
Locals enjoy hiking in this park year-round. In spring, colourful irises and silverbells start to bloom and in summer, walkers dip their toes in the cool streams and relax with picnics. An autumn visit is highly recommended, too. The morning mist over the mountain is stunning as you climb up Somang Ridge to view the breathtaking, vibrant red and gold foliage.
Location: 308, Seungan-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +82 (0)31-580-9900
Yeoninsan Provincial Park
8. Cheongshim World Peace Center
An impressive arts venue
Good for: Photo, Nightlife
Cheongshim World Peace Center is a huge arena complex that hosts various exhibitions, concerts and events. You’ll see music video shoots and business conventions taking place alongside sporting competitions. This is a wonderful venue for music lovers too. The indoor stadium seats 25,000 and hosts performances from Korean and international musicians, as well as enchanting musicals.
The venue is around 30 km from Gapyeong and there’s a huge car park. The website also displays several bus routes to help you plan your route on public transport. Be sure to bring your camera to snap amazing photos of the artwork and sculptures displayed throughout the complex. The stunning architecture and the lush forest backdrop make great pictures too.
Location: 258, Misari-ro, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)31-589-5200
Cheongshim World Peace Center
9. Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park
Family fun in the mountains
Good for: Families, Photo, Food
For a European vibe, visit the intriguing Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park. Nestled in leafy mountains, this park has the charm and feel of a quaint village in the Swiss Alps. Snap photos of the pristine buildings and pathways, as well as the colourful chalet-style architecture. Kids can discover Santa Claus tales and explore the chocolate and cheese museum.
The park hosts lots of fantastic events. Foodies can try a fondue experience or learn how to make Swiss cream cheese while families can dress up in traditional Swiss costumes, feed sheep on the animal farm and explore a cowbell exhibition. Book a package online and save money on the admission fee by reserving well in advance.
Location: 226-57 KR, Darakjae-ro, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)31-5175-9885
Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park
10. The Song Museum
Korean music through history
Good for: History, Budget, Photo
The Song Museum lies at the northern end of Nami Island. This free venue lets you travel back in time to explore the history of Korean music, covering everything from traditional folk songs passed down through generations to the modern K-Pop era. You’ll spend hours discovering the interactive exhibits and admiring the display of musical instruments from all over Asia.
The museum is part of Magic Hall, and you’ll find a busy schedule of live music performances to choose from in this intimate venue. After the show or your trip around the museum, why not try the delightful Swing Cafe next door? Indulge in freshly baked pastries and enjoy peaceful views of remarkable nature.
Location: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)31-580-8015
The Song Museum
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.