Gapyeong in northeast Gyeonggi is Seoul’s favorite weekend retreat: mountains, the Bukhan River, the famous Garden of Morning Calm, the French-themed Petite France and hundreds of riverside pensions with barbecue terraces.
Trip type: 1-Night, 2-Day Trip from Seoul · Best for: gardens, couples, pension stays · Travel time from central Seoul: about 1–1.5 hours by train
Why Visit Gapyeong
The Garden of Morning Calm is especially beautiful in autumn foliage and its winter light festival. With an overnight stay you can add Petite France, a river activity and a barbecue dinner at your pension.
How to Get to Gapyeong by Public Transport
- Train: ITX-Cheongchun from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong (about 1 hour), or the Gyeongchun Line subway (about 1.5 hours, cheaper).
- Gapyeong City Tour Bus: hop-on bus from Gapyeong Station linking the main sights.
- Fare: Gyeongchun Line about 2,800–3,000 won; ITX about 6,000–7,000 won each way.
Gapyeong Trip Costs per Person
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Transit (2 days) | about 15,000–25,000 won incl. tour bus |
| Garden of Morning Calm | 11,000 won (adult) |
| Petite France (optional) | about 12,000 won |
| Lodging (1 night, per room) | pension 100,000–250,000 won (weekends higher) |
| Meals (2 days, per person) | 60,000–90,000 won incl. BBQ |
| Estimated total | about 150,000–260,000 won per person (sharing a room) |
Fares assume a T-money or other transit card (Seoul-area subway base fare 1,550 won). Costs are estimates in Korean won.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Train to Gapyeong; tour bus to Petite France.
- Day 1 – Evening: check into a riverside pension; barbecue dinner.
- Day 2 – Morning: Garden of Morning Calm (2–3 hours).
- Day 2 – Afternoon: dakgalbi lunch, train back.
Where to Stay
Pensions around Cheongpyeong and Gapyeong-eup range from simple rooms to private pool villas; many offer pickup from the station.
What to Eat
Gapyeong is next to Chuncheon, so try dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken, about 15,000 won) and makguksu buckwheat noodles (about 10,000 won).
Tips Before You Go
- Reserve ITX seats on weekends.
- The garden’s light festival runs from December to March.
- Pensions often require minimum two-person booking.
FAQ
Can I visit Gapyeong without a car?
Yes—use the train plus the Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
How much is the Garden of Morning Calm?
Adult admission is 11,000 won.
Planning more trips? See our Korea travel guides.
Source: Garden of Morning Calm
Featured image: Forest garden at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong. Photo: ZKang123 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Prices, fares and hours were checked in October 2026 and can change; confirm on official sites before you go.
